With the Los Angeles Lakers at a disappointing level and La Ceja still on the mend, and the Clippers surviving without their top two stars (with Paul George’s return scheduled for late January / early February, and Kawhi Leonard’s still uncertain between here and now. May), a new candidate appears, not only for the play-in, but for the direct qualification to the playoffs granted by finishing the regular phase between 1st and 6th place in the West.
With no casualty problems beyond the circumstances of Russell and Towns due to COVID protocols, the Minnesota Timberwolves have their squad one hundred percent, and also last night they beat the Clippers, a rival they already see as a direct opponent for that sixth base that would allow them to return to play the playoffs four years later, since Jimmy Butler passed through their ranks.
Edwards Solutions
Without Towns, Rusell, George or Leonard, yesterday the weight fell on the Clippers ‘second leading line (Serge Ibaka, Morris and their perimeter formed by Bledsoe and Jackson) and on the shoulders of the Wolves’ third star who, in His sophomore year, he exudes maturity and feels comfortable with his early stripes: Anthony Edwards.
The sophomore and former Draft No. 1 is averaging 22.1 points, 5 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season, improving his shooting percentages that he signed as rookie and ranking over 35% in triples with almost nine attempts per game. Yesterday, he was master and lord: 28 points and a great 11 of 17 in his shooting car. Responding when yours need it most.
Anthony Edwards score 28 points Highlights vs LA Clippers #NBAJan032022 pic.twitter.com/k6WJ70uTHR
— NBA BASKETBALL (@DejoseMark) January 4, 2022
The guard was well sheltered by Taurean Prince (17) and Jalen McDaniels (18) one, the latter, who had started the horrible year and finally seems to have resumed the path of good taste that he left us after a great rookie exercise. In addition, the Wolves clearly prevailed on the offensive rebound and delivered up to twelve more assists, with a magnificent Patrick Bevereley at the helm, twelve to his personal credit, equaling his best record in the NBA.
“Pat Beverley did a great job finding the rhythm the game called for, both for his intensity, defense and focus,” said his coach Chris Finch.
Ibaka and little else
For the Clippers we can only continue to celebrate the good moment of Serge Ibaka, at least offensively (as there is hardly a trace of that Ibloka), with 17 points and a spotless 7 of 7 on his shooting sheet.
The Wolves won 122-104 building a fourth-to-fourth advantage, not succumbing to the physical and mental punishment of losing just five points to the Lakers the night before. It also served to break a six-game losing streak against the Clippers.
After this meeting, those from Minneapolis remain 9th in the standings with a balance of 17-20 while the Clippers resist 7th with their 19-19. A tiny distance that could be further reduced according to each one’s next rivals; Thunder and Suns respectively.
(Cover photo by David Berding / Getty Images)