Timberwolves Hold Off Short-Handed Clippers 94-88 Behind Another Big Night from Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards didn’t care that Chris Finch told him to pass. He pulled up anyway — step-back, two defenders in his face, 42.9 seconds left — and drained the three-pointer that put the game away. That’s just who Ant is right now.

The Timberwolves won 94-88 on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood — the same arena where Edwards was named All-Star MVP just weeks ago. A full-circle moment, and he made sure it felt like one.

Anthony Edwards Was the Story, as Usual

Edwards finished with 31 points on 12-of-24 shooting, adding five assists and three rebounds in 36 minutes. But the number that matters most is this: when the Clippers pulled within one point in the fourth quarter, it was Edwards who put the dagger in. His drive and reverse layup gave Minnesota a lead they would never relinquish with 7:40 remaining. Then came the step-back three. Game over.

That kind of confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s earned.

The Supporting Cast Stepped Up When It Mattered

This wasn’t a one-man show, even if Ant got top billing. Donte DiVincenzo was outstanding, pouring in 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting with four three-pointers and four assists. Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu each chipped in 12, and Naz Reid came off the bench to add 11 points and seven rebounds.

But the quietest contributor? Rudy Gobert. He didn’t score much — just three points — but he grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked three shots. He was the anchor defensively all night long, and in a game this tight, that kind of presence matters enormously.

Julius Randle struggled offensively, going 1-of-10 from the field, but he handed out six assists and did enough on the glass to stay useful. The Timberwolves absorbed his off night and still found a way.

Minnesota’s Defense Was Suffocating in the Second Quarter

The Timberwolves held the Clippers to just 11 points in the second quarter — the best defensive quarter Minnesota has had in over four years, since they held Oklahoma City to single digits in a period back in 2021. Eleven points. In an entire quarter of NBA basketball. That’s not a stat you see often.

Los Angeles shot just 18.2% from the field in that stretch, going 4-of-22 from three-point range. Even with Minnesota only scoring 15 themselves, the gap was enough to carry a six-point halftime lead into the break.

A Shorthanded Clippers Team Fought Hard

Give credit where it’s due — Los Angeles competed. Without Kawhi Leonard (ankle), the Clippers actually led by six points in the third quarter and pulled to within one in the fourth. This could have gone either way.

Derrick Jones Jr. was their best player on the night with 18 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting. Bennedict Mathurin added 14, though he struggled with turnovers. Kris Dunn was solid across the board with 11 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

But the Clippers have now lost three straight for the first time since December. Without Kawhi, their ceiling drops significantly. They shot 40.5% from the floor and had 18 turnovers — far too many against a team as well-coached as Minnesota.

Timberwolves Are Surging at the Right Time

Minnesota is now 5-1 since February 9th and 3-1 since the All-Star break. They’re 37-23 on the season, sitting third in the Northwest Division and firmly locked into playoff positioning. At 2-0 on this current three-game road trip, the Wolves head to Denver on Sunday with real momentum.

This team is clicking. The defense is elite. And the depth — DiVincenzo, McDaniels, Dosunmu, Reid off the bench — gives them answers for whatever opponents throw at them.

It’s February. The Timberwolves are rolling. And Anthony Edwards is going to keep pulling up, coach’s advice or not.