Timberwolves at Lakers
THE STORY: Minnesota hardly got its usual scoring production from Kevin Love (10 points) and Ricky Rubio (2 on 1-of-8 shooting), but it was not needed. Reserves Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley each scored 27 points and the Timberwolves turned a close game into a shocking 109-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. The Timberwolves will try to do the same Wednesday, staying at Staples Center to meet the Lakers, who could be without superstar Kobe Bryant. In addition to a broken nose, Bryant also suffered a concussion from a hard foul by Miami’s Dwyane Wade in Sunday's All-Star Game.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports North (Timberwolves), Fox West (Lakers)
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (18-17): Everything seemed to click for Williams and Beasley in the fourth quarter, each scoring 13 points. Williams shot 9 of 10 overall and made all four of his 3-pointers. Beasley was 11 of 15 and made all three of his 3-pointers. “I was picking my spots and knocking down open shots,” Williams said. “Kevin didn’t have one of his best nights, so people had to step up.” Love took a shot to the ribs by DeAndre Jordan in the third quarter and left briefly. He said he expects to be sore but added, “I got it X-rayed and everything seems to be fine.”
ABOUT THE LAKERS (20-14): Bryant will be re-evaluated Wednesday and must complete a series of steps to confirm he is healthy enough to play. Bryant has played in all 34 games this season despite a torn ligament in his wrist. While Bryant might not play, center Andrew Bynum (right knee) will be full strength after playing just six minutes in his first All-Star Game. The Lakers have averaged 107.4 points during a 16-game winning streak over the Timberwolves that dates to a 117-107 double-overtime loss in Minnesota on March 6, 2007.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The 16 straight wins by the Lakers in this series are tied for the longest active streak by one team over another. Portland has also defeated Minnesota 16 consecutive times. The Timberwolves close a four-game trip at Portland on Saturday.
2. Minnesota’s 72 bench points was the best in the NBA this season two from the franchise record.