Minnesota Timberwolves top Los Angeles Clippers to advance to playoffs

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 Tuesday, earning the No. 7 seed in the National Basketball Association’s Western Conference playoffs.

#WolvesBack pic.twitter.com/zyuMF2r8Ny

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 13, 2022

Minnesota

While the Timberwolves claimed home court advantage, the teams battled neck and neck until the fourth quarter. At the start of the final frame, Minnesota sat four points behind, yet the lead proceeded to flip back and fourth.

With 8:54 remaining in regulation, Los Angeles led by 10. But this was the beginning of the Clippers’ downfall. Though not long after, center Karl-Anthony Towns fouled out.

Forward Anthony Edwards scored nine of his 30 points following the 10-point deficit, and with a handful of three-pointers, point guard D’Angelo Russell aided the Timberwolves in a 21-5 run.

Minnesota’s seven point lead as the clock wound down gave the team life. And while the game got close again, the home team emerged victorious.

WHO WOULDN’T WANT THIS MAN ON THEIR TEAM?

WE LOVE @patbev21 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/iHOuvYSijO

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 13, 2022

The Target Center erupted. But none of the players were more excited and emotional than point guard Patrick Beverley. Beverley spent four seasons in Los Angeles before being traded to the the Twin Cities. The Chicago, Illinois, native recorded seven points and 11 rebounds.

He said he wanted this win more than anything.

“This is just the icing on the cake, the cherry on top,” he said. “Play-in, to be able to beat them … another goal scratched off.”

The Timberwolves embark on their first playoff run since 2018.

“I told you we were going to the playoffs,” Beverley said.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ trip to Minnesota ended unceremoniously.

Back in LA on Friday. pic.twitter.com/flrAE5lD4o

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 13, 2022

“They got guys that are a little bit more confident,” shooting guard Paul George said.

George recorded 34 points and seven defensive rebounds to give the Timberwolves a run for their money.

At the end of the first half, the Clippers trailed by two. But at the end of the third quarter, the City of Angels squad held a six-point lead and advanced it to 10.

With 13.6 seconds remaining, George drilled a 31-foot three-pointer to bring his eager team within four, but it wasn’t enough to keep playoff dreams alive.

What’s next?

Minnesota, has lost an average of 46 games over the past three seasons, but survived another day. The Timberwolves encounter the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies Saturday in Game 1 of their playoff series.