Incensed Timberwolves duo Gobert/Russell sink Clippers

How about some details about D’Lo?

The Timberwolves held a commanding lead throughout the game, remaining on or about 20+ points until the Timberwolves sent their remaining bench players onto the basketball court to mop up the final three minutes or so. In fact, all things were smooth sailing until at the 7:53 mark of the third quarter, Anthony Edwards left the game, and was replaced by Austin Rivers.

This was the hip injury that occurred after a nasty fall in a play against the Milwaukee Bucks. At the time, we questioned the injury, and the rationale to play a bruised Anthony Edwards at 37+ minutes per game with that injury. With Edwards out, the game fell to D’Angelo Russell to close out, and that is just what he did.

Russell put up a complete game as well

Russell not only tied for the most points in this one, but his ability to feed lob passes to Gobert kept the Clippers’ heads spinning. In fact, Russell played one of his best games as well. Not only did he score 25 points, but he hauled in five rebounds, handed out four assists, picked the Clippers’ pockets for two steals, and even blocked a shot. In fact, every player from the Timberwolves’ starting five ended the game with at least five points, three rebounds, and one block.

And he added a little commentary after the game too:

Edwards, bothered by his hip, struggled in this one. Thankfully, D’Angelo Russell was there to carry the load and ensure that the Timberwolves claimed their third consecutive win, and remained undefeated in the 2023 calendar year.

The Timberwolves are now 19-21 and will travel to face the Houston Rockets (10-29) on Sunday, January 8, 2023, before traveling to face the Detroit Pistons (11-31) on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. While we know that no game is a sure win for these Timberwolves, there is hope that the team can win their next two and return to .500 before a three games home stretch in which the Timberwolves host the Phoenix Suns (20-20), the Cleveland Cavaliers (25-15), and the Utah Jazz (20-21).