In a commanding defensive performance, the Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers 109-80 on Monday night.
Julius Randle led the way for Minnesota with 18 points, while Rudy Gobert dominated on both ends of the floor, finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a pivotal defensive presence.
The Wolves, now sitting at 10-10, showcased their identity as a defensive powerhouse, holding the Lakers to their lowest point total since a 122-73 loss to Dallas in 2017. This marked the second consecutive game in which Minnesota kept its opponent under 100 points, solidifying their position as one of the league’s top defensive units.
Lakers’ Offense Stalls
For the Lakers, it was a night to forget offensively. LeBron James struggled mightily, scoring just 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting and extending his slump from deep, having now missed 19 consecutive three-point attempts. Anthony Davis wasn’t much better, managing only 12 points and 11 rebounds as he battled against the relentless Gobert.
D’Angelo Russell provided a bright spot for Los Angeles, scoring 20 points in his return to the starting lineup following an illness. But his efforts weren’t enough to ignite a sputtering Lakers offense that has now dropped five of its last seven games.
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Timberwolves Find Balance Despite Edwards’ Quiet Night
While Anthony Edwards had a rare off night, scoring just eight points on 3-for-13 shooting, the Timberwolves’ depth stepped up in a big way. Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each contributed 15 points, providing critical scoring support.
Minnesota’s ability to generate offense from multiple sources proved key, especially as Edwards took a backseat in this contest. The Wolves also checked important boxes in their transition game and three-point shooting, going 15-for-35 from beyond the arc and tallying 20 fast-break points.
Gobert Dominates the Paint
Rudy Gobert reminded everyone why he’s a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Beyond his double-double, Gobert was a constant disruptor in the paint. One of the game’s defining moments came late in the third quarter when Gobert stole an inbounds pass from Max Christie and threw down a rare fast-break dunk, electrifying the Target Center crowd.
Lakers Show Signs of Fatigue
Coming off a narrow 105-104 win over Utah on Sunday, the Lakers seemed to lack energy in the second half. The grueling travel schedule likely played a role, as the team crossed time zones for a matchup against a Wolves squad they defeated on opening night.
Rookie head coach J.J. Redick described his team as “uneven and inconsistent” at the quarter mark of the season—a sentiment perfectly encapsulated by this performance.
Defensive Prowess Fuels Wolves’ Success
Minnesota’s defensive effort continues to set the tone for their season. Holding the Lakers under 100 points marked the fourth time this season they’ve achieved that feat. Their ability to lock down opponents was a hallmark of their league-leading scoring defense in 2023-24, and it’s clear that identity remains intact.
Takeaways
For the Timberwolves, this victory was as much about execution as it was about effort. With Gobert anchoring the defense and contributions coming from across the roster, Minnesota displayed the type of team basketball that can keep them competitive in a challenging Western Conference.
For the Lakers, the game highlighted a concerning trend of inconsistency. While Davis and James remain cornerstones, the team’s struggles with shooting and a lack of offensive flow leave much to be desired.
Key Stats
Minnesota’s shooting efficiency stood out, as the Wolves hit 15-of-35 three-point attempts while dominating the fast-break battle with 20 points in transition. On the defensive end, they limited the Lakers to just 36% shooting from the field, stifling any chance of a comeback.
What’s Next?
Both teams return to action on Wednesday night. The Lakers face another tough test on the road as they take on the Miami Heat. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers, seeking to build on the momentum from Monday’s win.
As the Timberwolves continue to solidify their defensive identity, and the Lakers search for answers to their offensive struggles, these next games will be pivotal for both squads in their respective seasons.
