Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell carry Wolves past Clippers in play-in game

Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell got here by way of with a gradual stream of clutch makes. Patrick Beverley equipped the depth in an emotional conquer his former group.

The Minnesota Timberwolves proved they belong within the playoffs, and that uncommon air for this franchise is simply the place they’re headed.

Edwards and Russell mixed for 59 factors to assist the Timberwolves overcome a tough night time for Karl-Anthony Cities and beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 in a play-in recreation on Tuesday night time.

“The sport needed to go in a unique path,” coach Chris Finch stated. “That’s why you’ve a group, as a result of numerous different individuals step up.”

Edwards scored 30 factors with 5 3-pointers and Russell had 29 factors and 6 assists to ship the Wolves to the No. 7 seed within the Western Convention and a first-round matchup with Memphis.

“Simply using what we’ve got,” Russell stated. “We’ve bought numerous items that complement one another.”

Paul George completed with 34 factors after capturing 2 for 10 within the first half for the Clippers, who’ve a second probability to make the playoffs with a house recreation on Friday for the No. 8 seed in opposition to both New Orleans or San Antonio.

Reggie Jackson (17 factors) and Norman Powell (16 factors) did their half in stretches, however the Clippers didn’t create sufficient separation when the Timberwolves had been sputtering by way of many of the first half.

Cities had solely 11 factors on 3-for-11 capturing and fouled out halfway by way of the fourth quarter, however his sidekicks had been greater than as much as the problem.

“I took what the sport gave me. That’s what they gave me. They had been scared to protect me, and I took benefit of that,” Edwards stated.

Jackson’s 3-pointer gave the Clippers their largest lead of the sport at 93-83 with 8:54 remaining, however about 4 minutes later Russell knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer for a 97-95 benefit the Wolves by no means relinquished. He saluted the gang for the punctuation.

Edwards adopted with a tomahawk dunk after blowing by Powell on the high of the important thing.

“I’m the most effective defensive guys on earth, and nobody can guard him,” stated Beverley, who was in tears through the spirited celebration afterward as Edwards hopped up on the scorer’s desk.

The followers had been fired up for this fast-paced, fast-improving group that is headed to the playoffs for the second time in 17 years, however the buzz wore off a bit within the third quarter whereas George discovered his groove with a clean 15 factors.

Then Cities fouled out with 7:34 to go, lower than 2 minutes after he had simply checked again in.

“They performed lots higher with out KAT on the ground,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue stated. “They bought into us defensively. They switched on much more stuff. I simply did not assume we made the correct performs.”

The Clippers had success disrupting Cities through the common season once they gained three of the 4 matchups, shedding solely in January when George was out, they usually spared no vitality attacking the two-time All-Star heart from each which approach. Nicolas Batum was his main tormentor, however many of the Clippers had a hand in it.

Cities didn’t make a basket within the first half for the primary time in additional than three years, an 0-for-7 clunker. His solely factors got here on a pair of free throws, and he flashed a sarcastic smile and pumped his first after getting that decision.

STICKING WITH IT

The Wolves trailed 45-38 when Cities exited together with his fourth foul with 3:48 left earlier than halftime, however there was a delay lower than a minute later after a girl from the gang sneaked onto the courtroom throughout a useless ball on the opposite finish. Staging an animal rights protest, she glued her hand to the hardwood alongside the baseline and sprawled out earlier than safety was in a position to pry her away.

The Timberwolves took benefit of the prolonged pause. Russell hit two mid-range floaters and a 3-pointer over the steadiness of the half to assist stake them to a 53-51 lead on the break.

BEVERLEY ILLS

Essentially the most central determine on this matchup may need been Beverley, the relentless defender and ace agitator who spent the final 4 seasons with the Clippers.

The NBA introduced a $25,000 advantageous for Beverley shortly earlier than tipoff for his “improper conduct” in Minnesota’s final recreation towards referee David Guthrie, at whom he yelled, “You are trash!” on his approach off the courtroom following his ejection for a second technical foul.

Beverley bought a technical within the third quarter of this recreation, too, after tussling with Marcus Morris Sr. Way more importantly, he had seven factors and a game-high 11 rebounds.

“When he’s in that mode, it ignites the group,” George stated. “It ignites the sector.”

TIP-INS

Clippers: Backup guard Luke Kennard, their fifth-leading scorer, stayed house due to a hamstring harm.

Timberwolves: Backup ahead Taurean Prince was out with a swollen knee.

UP NEXT

Clippers: Host the San Antonio-New Orleans winner on Friday night time. The Spurs play on the Pelicans on Wednesday night time in an elimination recreation.

Timberwolves: Sport 1 in Memphis is on Saturday afternoon.