The Minnesota Timberwolves broke their franchise record for most runs scored in a game on Saturday in a 151-131 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
The win also sets the stage for an important game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, the final day of the season. A victory would allow the Timberwolves to move ahead of the Pelicans in eighth place and improve their chances during the qualifying tournament (play-in).
The Timberwolves were particularly effective in the middle of the game, dominating the second quarter 45-33 and the third 39-23.
Anthony Edwards was Minnesota’s leading scorer with 33 points and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, Mike Conley 20 points and five assists and Rudy Gobert 10 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
For Spurs, Tre Jones scored the second hat-trick of his career, his second in four games. He had 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Julian Champagnie and Keita Bates-Diop scored 24 and 22 points respectively.
With one game to go, the Spurs find themselves in last place in the West. They hold the same record as the Houston Rockets (21-60).
The top-6 within reach of the Clippers
Kawhi Leonard had 27 points and eight rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers dominated the second half to defeat the Trail Blazers 136-125 and improve their chances of a top-6 finish in the West.
By finishing in the top-6, the Clippers would avoid having to go through the qualifying tournament to participate in the playoffs. A win over the Phoenix Suns, a Pelicans loss to the Timberwolves or a Golden State Warriors loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday would get them there.
Norman Powell scored 23 points as a backup and Russell Westbrook provided 20 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Clippers.
Kevin Knox led the Trail Blazers with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Shawdon Sharpe had 26 points and Trendon Watford 24.
Luka Samanic also had a game-high 23 points and eight rebounds. The Jazz thus put an end to its streak of four losses.
Among the leaders in the West, Nikola Jokic was limited to six points. He still amassed a double of 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 21 for the Nuggets who have lost five of their last six games.
