The Minnesota Timberwolves (9-10) narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Clippers (12-9) 93-92 in an intense NBA Cup matchup Friday night. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 21 points despite shooting 7-for-21 from the field, snapping the team’s four-game losing streak.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Julius Randle added 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves overcame 22 turnovers and a blown double-digit lead to secure the victory.
The Clippers, battling injuries, leaned on James Harden, who finished with 20 points and 11 assists. Ivica Zubac provided a strong presence inside, tallying 16 points and 13 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in 17 points and seven boards before leaving the game late due to an ankle injury.
Minnesota jumped out to an 11-point lead in the second quarter but saw the advantage evaporate early in the third. The Timberwolves’ struggles with turnovers and offensive stagnation allowed Los Angeles to tie the game and later take their first lead at 90-87 after Harden’s four-point play with just over four minutes remaining.
Edwards responded with a clutch pull-up three-pointer, putting the Timberwolves back on top 92-90. Minnesota’s defense held firm down the stretch, limiting the Clippers to just one field goal—a Zubac layup—over the final four minutes.
Los Angeles played without Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, both sidelined due to injuries. Despite the absences, the Clippers remained competitive, with Nicolas Batum adding 12 points off the bench, including four three-pointers.
Minnesota’s bench played a crucial role, with Donte DiVincenzo scoring nine points and Naz Reid adding eight. The Timberwolves also out-rebounded the Clippers 49-39, with Rudy Gobert pulling down 12 boards.
The Timberwolves finished 2-2 in West Group A of the NBA Cup, maintaining a slim chance of advancing to the quarterfinals. The Clippers, now 1-2 in the group, have one remaining game but face long odds to move forward.
