Without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) but with its French international pivot Rudy Gobert, back after 10 days of absence and author of 15 rebounds (in addition to his 9 points and 2 blocks), Minnesota has rediscovered the taste of victory Friday, against Cleveland (104-91). The Timberwolves, who suffered a defeat against defending champion Denver (115-112), are third in the West. With a record (48-22), something never seen for them in twenty years.
In front of their audience at the Target Center, they relied on their shadow players to gain the upper hand over the Cavaliers, who were themselves without Donovan Mitchell (nose), Evan Mobley (ankle) and Max Strus (knee). , three holders. Note in particular the perfect 4/4 three-pointer from replacement Jordan McLaughlin (12 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds), symbol of the overall long-distance success of the Wolves (14/27, or 52%), but also the 18 points from center Naz Reid, who undoubtedly sealed the victory with this winning shot to increase his team’s lead to 12 points with 2’26 remaining.
“We had difficulty getting around their defense”
Anthony Edwards was more clumsy (16 points at 6/17, 13 rebounds and 5 assists), “but we managed to keep the ball alive,” said leader Mike Conley, author of 21 points. […] Everyone had open shots. » Opposite, Caris LeVert (16 points at 6/16) and Darius Garland (19 points at 8/21) had difficulty adjusting the sights, and the return of Gobert may have something to do with it. The Cavs (113.4 points on average this season), third in the East, had not scored so low since November. “We had a hard time getting around their defense,” admitted LeVert.
