Sat Dec 07 03:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Timberwolves Snap Losing Streak, Edge Clippers in Close NBA Cup Matchup

**MINNEAPOLIS (AP)** — The Minnesota Timberwolves ended a four-game skid with a nail-biting 93-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA Cup game Friday night. Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with 21 points, though on a less-than-efficient 7-of-21 shooting. The win, however, came at a cost, as Minnesota committed 22 turnovers and squandered a double-digit lead.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Julius Randle also notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Clippers were led by James Harden’s 20 points and 11 assists, and Ivica Zubac’s 16 points and 13 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. added 17 points for the Clippers before rolling his left ankle late in the game.

The Clippers briefly took the lead, 90-87, with 4:10 remaining on a Harden four-point play. However, a clutch three-pointer by Edwards with 2:24 left put the Timberwolves back in front, 92-90. The Clippers struggled to score in the final minutes, managing only one basket in the closing stretch.

The victory moves the Timberwolves to 2-2 in West Group A of the NBA Cup, while the Clippers fall to 1-2 with one group game remaining. Both teams face long odds of reaching the tournament quarterfinals. The Clippers’ struggles are compounded by the continued absence of Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Norman Powell (hamstring). The Timberwolves, meanwhile, continue to grapple with inconsistency, having blown multiple leads throughout the season.

The Clippers host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, while the Timberwolves face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

Read More