Compete for seventh place in the West
The Los Angeles Lakers missed the playoffs, which is somewhat surprising. However, the playoffs in the West are still full of highlights, the Clippers and Timberwolves will compete for the seventh place in the West, and the strength of the two teams cannot be reflected in the rankings. The Timberwolves' performances before and after the All-Star are very different, both offensive and defensive ends have been upgraded to a higher level, and the average score per game is the first in the league, which can be described as a devastating ravage. As for the Los Angeles Clippers, they welcomed back Paul George and Powell, ending the regular season with a wave of five straight wins.
In this playoff between the Clippers and timberwolves, both teams came up with the best lineups. After all, the playoffs are a sure win- or loser, and everyone wants to lock in the playoffs as soon as possible. If the Clippers want to win, then limiting Downs is a top priority. Just as the so-called thief captures the king first, if you want to defeat the Timberwolf, you must first crush Downs.
Towns left the scene with six fouls
Tyrone Lu is worthy of the tactical genius, using the front line to defend Towns, do not let Downs shoot, once Towns enters the inside line, then Zubac is responsible for the defense, it has to be said that this tactic is very successful, Towns in the first quarter of 5 shots did not score a point, the Timberwolves only scored 20 points in a single quarter, while the Clippers got 26 points, of which Powell 7 points, George and Reggie each took 6 points. After returning from the second quarter, the Clippers' offense remained tepid, with Powell hitting two three-pointers, but George scored three points on 0-of-6 shooting.
Towns still didn't score a goal, only two points from the free throws, and a fourth foul. Russell switched modes, shooting 5-of-5 and 14 points and 1 assist, Edwards also had 8 points and 2 rebounds, and the Timberwolves ended 53-51 to overtake the Clippers by 2 points. In the second half, George finally found his touch, shooting 5 of 8, 5 of 3 of three-pointers, and 17 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist in a single quarter, which was simply unstoppable. Towns scored consecutive runs from the basket, but received a fifth foul, and the Clippers managed to surpass by six points.
In the final quarter of the game, George rested off the field, but Mann picked up the team, blocked a dunk twice, and stopped the Timberwolves again. After the timeout returned, Towns scored consecutive points, but scrambled for rebounding fouls and left the court directly with six fouls. The Clippers' lead came to 10 points, but the Timberwolves hit a 14-2 surge that went straight back by two points. Batum hit the crucial three-pointer and Russell scored five straight points to stretch the gap to six again, leaving just 1 minute and 35 seconds left.
At the crucial moment, George's three-point shot retained suspense. Reggie missed a layup and missed a chance, Edwards broke through the layup to cause a foul, with two free throws, and Tyronn Lu called out the last timeout. George missed three points, the Clippers could only foul, Beverley made two free throws and one, george was far away from the three points, but it was too late. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 to secure seventh place in the West.
Timberwolves lock in seventh
Towns left the court with six fouls, but the Clippers were reversed! George 34+7+5, Tyronelu tried his best. The Timberwolves won the game, and with Towns six fouls leaving the game with just 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, Edwards and Russell carried the team. Edwards exploded with 30 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, and Russell also had 29 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Of course, Beverly's help to the team was equally great, with 7 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. The Timberwolves locked up seventh place in the West and will next challenge the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.
Tyrone Lu is really a lack of skills, the Clippers' limitations on Towns in this game are impeccable, George also got 34 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, what else can you ask for? The only thing that can be said is that the Timberwolves' talent is simply outstanding. Reggie Jackson had 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Powell on the bench had 16 points, three rebounds and one assist, Morris Jr. also had 12 points and one assist, and Covington had nine points and five rebounds. The Clippers will then face the winner of the Pelicans and Spurs for eighth place in the West.