In an electrifying turnaround, the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards‘ 37 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker‘s season-high 28 points, mounted a significant comeback to clinch a 118-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers during Tuesday’s NBA action. The game, marked by dramatic shifts, saw the Timberwolves recover from an early 22-point deficit to secure the win.
The Clippers announced Kawhi Leonard‘s departure from the game due to back spasms after the forward had played the entire first quarter. Leonard was seen exiting the Clippers’ downtown arena during the second quarter, leaving the team without one of its key players.
Mike Conley added 23 points for the Timberwolves, highlighting the game’s importance in avoiding a three-game losing streak and acknowledging the rivalry’s intensity with the Clippers, especially given the playoff seeding implications.
“It was no secret this was probably the biggest game of the season for us so far,” Conley remarked.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Rudy Gobert contributed eight points and 11 rebounds before a late exit due to a rib injury, with his condition yet uncertain post-game. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch commended Gobert’s defensive efforts, which played a pivotal role in the team’s comeback.
“This team believes in itself,” Finch stated.
Alexander-Walker’s standout performance came during a critical moment in the Timberwolves’ season, as the team aimed to balance their road trip record.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
For the Clippers, Paul George led with 22 points, followed by James Harden‘s 12, in a game that ended in their second consecutive loss since Christmas. The Clippers’ struggle was compounded by Leonard’s early exit, which coach Tyronn Lue attributed to ongoing back issues.
“They played tougher than we did, for sure, no doubt,” Lue said.
The game also saw the return of Rudy Gobert from a hamstring injury and Kyle Anderson from shoulder pain, though Monte Morris remained sidelined with a hamstring strain. The Timberwolves’ early turnovers and the Clippers’ significant lead set a challenging stage, which Minnesota overcame with a spirited second-half performance.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Karl-Anthony Towns‘ knee surgery and expected absence were noted, with Finch mentioning the team’s adaptation to playing without him from previous experiences.
“Everybody goes through a tough stretch at some point (because of injuries),” Finch reflected.
As both teams look ahead to their next games, with the Timberwolves visiting the Utah Jazz and the Clippers facing the Chicago Bulls, the impact of Tuesday’s game on their season trajectories remains significant.
