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The Minnesota Timberwolves rolled into downtown Los Angeles on Sunday looking to win the season series 3-1 against the LA Lakers. Minnesota will continue to miss Karl-Anthony Towns but will like its chance of beating the hosts sans "KAT." Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid were all cleared to play so the Timberwolves aren't going to be pushovers.
LeBron James was noticeably kept out of the active roster hours leading into the game. The four-time MVP, who is dealing with a non-Covid-related illness, will not be around to lead his team. Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and De'Angelo Russell were ruled available so they will man the fort without "King James."
Spencer Dinwiddie, Rui Hachimura and Reaves had quick starts to tow the hosts early in the game. Anthony Edwards also came out firing but the Lakers built a 37-33 advantage after the first 12 minutes passed.
Naz Reid was the story in the second quarter of the Timberwolves-Lakers showdown. After scoring five in the first period, he exploded for 18 in the next frame to lead the visitors' romp.
Rudy Gobert also contributed with his points, rebounding and defense to form a devastating interior force with Reid. Anthony Davis, who looked like he was hit in the face by Kyle Anderson, played just 12 minutes. Without him, Minnesota's frontline has run amok. The Timberwolves took a 79-64 advantage as the teams exited for the halftime break.
The LA Lakers defense rose to the occasion in the third period to limit the Minnesota Timberwolves to just 23 points. Minnesota continued to stay in front by also preventing LA from getting into a much better rhythm. The defensive slugfest allowed the visitors to fend off the hosts 102-92 with still a quarter to go.
Los Angeles had a couple of mini-runs in the final frame but Minnesota had an answer to every one of them. LeBron James' absence and Anthony Davis' first-half injury proved to be too costly for the hosts.
Naz Reid continued his scoring surge in the fourth quarter to lead the visitors to a 127-117 victory.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Lakers game player stats and box scores
Minnesota Timberwolves game player stats
LA Lakers game player stats
Anthony Edwards, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Spencer Dinwiddie 3-pointers tonight
Anthony Edwards made two of his four attempts from behind the arc in the first quarter against the Lakers on Sunday.
D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Spencer Dinwiddie combined to hit 4-for-7 from the same range. Dinwiddie shone among the three as he went 3-for-3.
"Ant-Man" ended the night hitting 3-for-8 3-pointers for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, the LA Lakers' said triumvirate tallied 8-for-20 trifectas to finish the game. Russell had an abysmal 1-for-7 clip to contribute.
