3. March 12 – at LA Clippers (100-118)
Top Performance(s):
Anthony Edwards – 37 points, 8 rebounds
Nickeil Alexander-Walker – 28 points, 5 3-pointers
Mike Conley Jr. – 23 points, 5 3-pointers
During the 2023 trade deadline, the Timberwolves opted to move on from point guard D’Angelo Russell. In return, they received three second-round picks, veteran guard Conley Jr., and afterthought Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The trade was a consensus good deal from the jump, but fast forward thirteen months and it appears to be a steal.
In the Timberwolves' fourth and final meeting of the season against the Clippers, they found themselves in a big hole early—at one point being down by 22. They managed to chip the deficit down to just eight by halftime. In the third quarter, they exploded, winning 29-15, and Minnesota didn’t look back from there.
There were many drivers of their comeback. Edwards was assertive on both ends of the floor—getting to the rim, nailing mid-range fadeaways, and picking Paul George’s pockets on the defensive end. Ultimately, the story of the game was the shooting performance of Conley Jr. and Alexander-Walker.
The two were a combined 10-of-14 from downtown and 18-of-24 from the field. Not bad for a 36-year-old and a trade throw-in. Despite the Clippers being at full strength, they looked outclassed by the Timberwolves in the second half, showing that when the Wolves are on, they can give it to anyone.