New FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs Timberwolves – Game 30
Los Angeles Lakers (16-14) | Minnesota Timberwolves (14-15)
The Los Angeles Lakers came crashing back down to earth on Friday night as they were blown out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-92.
The Lakers had no answer for Karl-Anthony Towns out of the gates as he scored the Timberwolves’ first eight points, putting them up 8-4 early. Jarred Vanderbilt soared in for a putback dunk that energized the Timberwolves, though LeBron James was able to cut into their early deficit with a free throw and putback of his own.
Los Angeles had issues taking care of the defensive glass, which led to more opportunities for an amped-up Minnesota team that took full advantage. As Anthony Davis rolled his ankle and exited the game, things only got worse while the Lakers went into the second trailing 23-16.
The newly-signed Isaiah Thomas checked into the game early in the second, immediately sunk two free throws, and later found Kent Bazemore for a fastbreak layup. At the same time, a pair of Carmelo Anthony threes brought L.A. within two. Towns came back in and resettled things for the Wolves as he scored a quick bucket and blocked James on a drive to keep his team ahead.
Fortunately for the Lakers, Davis was able to return to the game, but it was Thomas who gave the Lakers a lift as they mounted their comeback.
Minnesota answered down the stretch, and Los Angeles found itself down 54-45 at the half.
Fortunately for the Lakers, Davis was able to return to the game, but Thomas gave the Lakers a lift as they mounted their comeback. However, Minnesota answered down the stretch, and Los Angeles found itself down 54-45 at the half.
The beginning of the third mirrored the first as the Lakers came out slow, which allowed the Timberwolves to extend their lead to 14. The timeout did Los Angeles wonders as they reeled off an 11-0 run, but Davis was forced out again with a knee injury after Jaden McDaniels fell into his leg.
With Davis off the floor, the Wolves responded with their own 11-0 run to go back up 14 before Wayne Ellington hit his first three of the night. The game started to get away from the Lakers, and they went into the final quarter trailing 85-65.
Despite some added aggression from James, L.A. could not make much of a dent in Minnesota lead as they continued to get destroyed on the glass. Despite trying, it was clear the Lakers did not have it, and they would see their three-game winning streak snapped.
Lakers announced that Anthony Davis suffered a left knee contusion against the Minnesota Timberwolves and will undergo further testing on Saturday in Chicago.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Davis’ camp is optimistic that he avoided serious injury, although the MRI on Saturday will ultimately tell the whole story:
“So far, all is in good structure, but we want to take another image.” a source told McMenamin.
Vogel is hopeful it won’t be a long absence for Davis, though.
“The less, the better. Hopefully, it’s something minor, and he can get back soon. We’ll find out tomorrow.”
While the Lakers will surely miss Davis on the court, the most crucial thing will be the star big man getting right sooner rather than later. When asked about Davis’ injury, LeBron James expressed some concern for his teammate and close friend.
“My concern is always for his health,” James said. “You always hope for the best for your teammates, but especially a guy like AD. So you wish for the best, but it’s in the man above’s hands.”
The Lakers will now travel to Chicago on Sunday to take on the Bulls. The game will start at 5:00 and can be seen live on Spectrum SportsNet.
Lakers vs Timberwolves Lakers vs Timberwolves Lakers vs Timberwolves Lakers vs Timberwolves Lakers vs Timberwolves Lakers vs Timberwolves Lakers vs Timberwolves
– Matt Dobbs – Franchise Sports Media
Follow Matt on Twitter @RecordBowlerFSM
Follow The Franchise on social media
