Today, the NBA played the playoffs of the season, with the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the Los Angeles Clippers at home.
The Timberwolves have performed well this season, but in the end they failed to reach the top 6 in the West, so they had to play the playoffs. If the Timberwolves lose to the Clippers in a win-and-conquer playoff, they will have to give up the 7th place in the West and play another playoff to qualify for the playoffs.
This game, there is no room for loss, but the Timberwolves still encountered great difficulties. Towns, the Timberwolves' home star, has been dysfunctional in this game. In the face of the opponent's strict defense, Towns shot 0 of 5 in the first quarter and lost 2 fouls.
Throughout the first half, Towns shot 0-of-7 and was very subdued. Although the Clippers also had George on 20-of-10 shooting, the latter found his feelings in the second half, including 17 points in the third quarter.
Towns entered the second half and continued to slump, playing only 24 minutes in the game, scoring 11 points and five rebounds on 3-of-11 shooting. The Clippers pushed back the score at one point, but eventually lost to the Timberwolves 104-109. To win, the Timberwolves relied on Edwards' play.
In the second quarter, Russell blasted 14 points on all 5-of-5 shooting, and Edwards took over the game in the second half. Scoring 10 consecutive points in the final quarter, Edwards led the Timberwolves to a 31-20 attacking wave in the quarter to beat the Clippers. I have to say that in the playoff level confrontation, Towns is still a little softer.
So far, the Timberwolves have held the 7th position in the West, and the first round is against the Memphis Grizzlies. If Towns can't be tougher, the Timberwolves will still have a round trip.