Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Love Hits Game-Winning 3 to Beat LA Clippers
Once again, the Minnesota Timberwolves exploded in the fourth quarter to nab a come-from-behind 101-98 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Wolves, who found themselves trailing 89-77 with 8:42 remaining in the game, went on a 24-2 scoring run to bring their record to 7-8.
Kevin Love had 17 points—including a buzzer-beating three—to hold his team to victory. Rookie Ricky Rubio proved instrumental once again in the last-minute win, adding nine points, six assists and four steals to the stats board.
The following posts were seen on Twitter after the game:
"Can't remember last time Minnesota Sports was top play on Sports Center." (TC Huddle)
"The @mntimberwolves win & @KevinLove takes the front page of @espn... we're sure this isn't a dream, right???? Wow." (Lindsay Guentzel)
Minnesota fans will tell you exactly that—this isn't a dream. Love, Rubio and the rest of the Timberwolves squad has two comeback wins this week (the first against Detroit), and the young ball club is looking more confident than ever. There's no doubt about it: This team is serious.
The Clippers were without explosive point guard Chris Paul due to a hamstring strain, which admittedly affected their lineup. However, Minnesota also played lacking Michael Beasley (mid-foot strain) and J.J. Barea (ankle sprain). Neither team was at full strength, and yet both played with tenacity.
Fans definitely received the All-Star matchup they were waiting for. Two of the league's top forwards faced off in Love and Blake Griffin. Love had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Griffin had 21 and 10, respectively.
Center Darko Milicic had a season-best game as well. The big man effectively guarded Griffin beneath the basket, and Milicic tallied 22 points and seven rebounds before fouling out at the 1:01 mark. Often a more subdued athlete, the Serbian native played powerfully Friday night, even landing a slam dunk of his own in the scoring run.
Although three of LA's players scored 20 points or more, Adelman's offense and the determination of the Timberwolves lineup proved worthy of the win. After battling from behind, Love took the shot from downtown with only 1.5 seconds remaining on the clock.
The collective expressions on the Clippers' players, fans and coaches alike was priceless for those of us staying up late in Minnesota.
The Wolves board a plane for Utah in preparation for tomorrow's contest, and we continue to wait nervously in expectation of breaking news...
Don't leave us, Kevin Love. Your team needs you.
