Timberwolves rally to defeat Clippers with last-second heroics
In a thrilling display of resilience, the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame an 18-point deficit to snatch victory from the Los Angeles Clippers with a nail-biting 109-106 finish on Saturday night at Target Center. Despite a rocky start, the Timberwolves demonstrated their tenacity, outscoring the Clippers 37-28 in the fourth quarter, culminating in a pivotal three-pointer from Naz Reid with just 13 seconds remaining.
A Slow Start Transformed
The Timberwolves struggled early, falling behind by 18 points in the first half. However, they began to chip away at the deficit, entering the final quarter trailing 78-72. The fourth quarter saw Minnesota flip the script. Fueled by a 21-12 run, they surged ahead to a 102-93 lead with 3:56 left on the clock.
Yet, momentum can be fleeting in the NBA. The Clippers responded with a quick seven-point spurt, tying the game at 102-102. In a tense back-and-forth, Mike Conley managed to give Minnesota a fleeting two-point advantage with free throws, only for Bogdan Bogdanovic to level the score again at 104-104 with a clutch jumper as the clock ticked down to 31 seconds.
Reid’s Moment of Glory
It was in this high-pressure moment that Reid emerged as the unlikely hero. After Jaden McDaniels missed a mid-range shot, the Timberwolves seized the offensive rebound, keeping hope alive. Anthony Edwards, despite struggling throughout the night with only 15 points on 3 of 11 shooting, showcased unselfishness. He opted to pass to Reid, who was wide open in the corner. Reid’s game-winning three-pointer not only sealed the victory but also highlighted the importance of teamwork in clutch situations.
“Just a bunch of effort plays,” Reid reflected on the decisive possession during the FanDuel Sports North postgame show. “Slow start, but those hustle plays and intensity plays. Can’t lose when those things are in your favor.”
Standout Performers
Leading the charge for the Timberwolves was Jaden McDaniels, who poured in 27 points, shooting an impressive 10 of 13 from the field. His performance was particularly notable in the third quarter, where he scored 12 of his total. Reid’s 19 points off the bench proved crucial, especially given Edwards’s off night. On the opposing side, Julius Randle matched McDaniels’ scoring output, also finishing with 27 points.
With this victory, the Timberwolves extended their winning streak to five games, improving their overall record to 15-8. Looking ahead, they will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, with tip-off set for 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be available for streaming on Peacock.
