If there was ever a concept as a “make-up game”, this would be the example right next to it in the dictionary. The LA Clippers came out strong and kept their pace for four quarters against Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves to win it 118-106. Here are just a few takeaways from the win.
Throughout the afternoon, it was evident that the LA Clippers were a determined bunch to put their previous game behind them for good. The team shot 45.9% in the field goal department and 88.9% in their free throws, so the statistics showed improvement. It is obvious that a fully healthy Clippers team will far outperform an injured one, and it was shown today. It also always helps when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are not scratched and are instead on the floor. That seems like a pretty obvious takeaway, though.
As a team, they grabbed up 50 rebounds, had 20 assists, and then they only turned the ball over 13 times. Individually, however, there were still the usual stand-outs. Leonard balled out with 31 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds while George came back strong with 21 points, 2 assists, and 7 rebounds. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell as a group were also bringing buckets with a combined 33 points in part thanks to Ivica Zubac‘s 10 rebounds, and Williams took the cake for most assists with 6. The team worked better together, so that should be a good sign for the team and the fans.
Defensively, the team was good enough to keep the offense on fire. They held the Timberwolves to only 40.5% in field goals and 17.9% in three-pointers. The Clippers built up 7 blocks and forced the Timberwolves into 20 turnovers. They still had a tough time guarding Karl-Anthony Towns, however, and he finished the game with 32 points, 3 assists, and 12 assists. Thankfully, the offense was potent enough to combat that double-double.
Outside of Towns, there were four other players that went into double-digit points, but luckily for the Clippers, Kawhi and PG were out there blazing. It was one of those feel-good games that saw the guys put in a solid effort for the win. A much-needed win for the team for sure after their previous loss, the Clippers have their momentum back.
In closing, the LA Clippers pounced on the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 118-106 win in a rare afternoon victory. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George dominated and countered Karl-Anthony Towns and his double-double, and Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell kept up the rest of the offense by booking some gigantic points. Case in point, the Clippers are better as a healthy team, the offense worked better together, and the defense hung in there just enough. The Clippers will be back in action on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center starting at 7:30 pm PDT.