MINNEAPOLIS — Julius Randle scored 18 points, and Rudy Gobert contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 109-80 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. The Timberwolves, now 10-10 on the season, displayed a commanding performance, stifling the Lakers’ offense and limiting them to their lowest point total since a 122-73 loss to Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar.
While Randle and Gobert led the charge for the Timberwolves, Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker also played key roles, each scoring 15 points. Despite a challenging shooting night for Anthony Edwards, who scored only eight points on 3-for-13 shooting, the Timberwolves’ collective effort was more than enough to secure the win.
For the Lakers (12-9), LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled to find their rhythm. James, still searching for his shooting touch, extended his cold streak from beyond the arc to 19 missed 3-pointers in a row, finishing with just 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Davis, who had a standout performance in the season opener against the Timberwolves, posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough. D’Angelo Russell, making his return to the starting lineup after an illness, scored 20 points but struggled to get his teammates involved in the offensive flow.
After a hard-fought win over Utah just the day before, the Lakers traveled across time zones to face the Timberwolves. In their first meeting of the season, the Lakers defeated Minnesota 110-103, thanks to Davis’ dominant performance with 36 points and 16 rebounds. However, this time around, the Timberwolves were able to flip the script and deliver a convincing blowout victory.
Takeaways from the Game
Lakers: Rookie head coach J.J. Redick had previously described his team’s performance as “uneven and inconsistent,” and the Lakers’ fifth loss in their last seven games did little to change that assessment. While the Lakers’ offense has been inconsistent throughout the season, their defensive efforts also appeared lackluster, unable to contain the Timberwolves’ shooters or disrupt their fast break.
Timberwolves: The Timberwolves, known for their defensive prowess, turned in a near-perfect performance on that end of the court. However, it wasn’t just the defense that stood out—Minnesota showed a balanced offensive attack as well. The team hit 15 of their 35 three-point attempts and generated 20 fast-break points, an encouraging sign that their transition game and perimeter shooting are improving.
Key Moment
The game’s turning point came late in the third quarter when Rudy Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, showcased his defensive dominance. Gobert intercepted an inbounds pass from Lakers rookie Max Christie, and he promptly finished with a rare fast-break dunk. This play highlighted not only Gobert’s defensive instincts but also the Timberwolves’ aggressive and opportunistic defense, which stifled the Lakers throughout the game.
Key Stat
The Timberwolves’ defense continued to shine, as they held their opponent under 100 points for the second consecutive game and the fourth time this season. Last season, Minnesota led the league in scoring defense, and their ability to limit the Lakers to just 80 points showed that the Timberwolves are once again one of the most formidable defensive teams in the league.
Looking Ahead
For the Lakers, the loss to Minnesota marks a frustrating setback in their recent struggles. They will now travel to Miami to face the Heat on Wednesday, looking to bounce back and regain some momentum. With key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis needing to improve their performances, the Lakers will be hoping for a better showing on the road.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will continue their road trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers, where they will look to build on their strong defensive efforts and sharpen their offensive execution. With players like Randle and Gobert playing at a high level, Minnesota will be confident heading into their next matchup.
Final Thoughts
Monday night’s game was a clear display of the Timberwolves’ depth and defensive strength. Their ability to limit one of the league’s most potent offenses, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, showcased the team’s elite defense, which could prove to be a key factor throughout the season. On the other hand, the Lakers will need to address their inconsistencies and get their stars back on track if they hope to compete for a top spot in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, are starting to find their groove, and if they can maintain their defensive dominance and improve offensively, they could emerge as a dark horse in the West.