Timberwolves Advance From Play-In, Make Playoffs For First Time Since 2018

Star of the Game

In a game filled with lead changes, foul trouble, and even an animal rights protester, the Timberwolves pulled it off. By beating the Clippers 109-104, Minnesota advances to the seventh seed in the west and will face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell both came out strong, especially in the final minutes of the game. Edwards had 30 points (shooting 10/21) with five rebounds, and Russell scored 29 points (shooting 10/18) with six assists and three steals. 

Biggest Concern

Besides the woman who attempted to glue herself to the floor in the second quarter, fouls are the primary concern. Karl-Anthony Towns was limited to 11 points and five rebounds because he got into foul trouble early. As the franchise player, he has the potential to make the biggest difference in the post season. Towns fouled out with almost eight minutes of playing time remaining, and the Wolves could have easily lost because of that. 

Number of the Night

22. Patrick Beverley was the spark that the Timberwolves needed to push through this tough game. Though he only scored 7 points, he did manage 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Many fans have theorized that this was a bit of a revenge game for Beverley, as the Clippers traded him away last season. If that was the case, it is worth noting that the Clippers traded Beverley to the Grizzlies before he ended up in Minnesota. Maybe he will turn this first round into a revenge series, playing with passion and pushing the Timberwolves even further into the postseason.