Timberwolves rout Clippers for first win without Edwards

The Timberwolves bounced back from two straight losses with a 127-101 win over the Clippers in Minneapolis on October 30. It was Minnesota’s first victory without star guard Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to miss two months.

LaMelo Ball led Minnesota with a season-high 24 points, including three three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Jaden McDaniels added 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while reserve Bones Hyland contributed 19 points and eight assists. The Timberwolves pulled away with a 20-2 run late in the game.

Minnesota improved to 4-2, with each of its four wins coming by more than 20 points. Rudy Gobert also had a stronger outing after struggling in the team’s previous two games, and the Timberwolves found success connecting on pick-and-roll plays. Hyland said the team has plenty of players capable of stepping into bigger roles while Edwards is out.

The Clippers fell to 1-4 and have lost four in a row. Darius Garland scored 24 points, while reserve Book Lopez had 13. Los Angeles has been without newcomers Brandon Ingram and Max Strus because of foot injuries.

The win gives Minnesota a 1-0 start in its NBA Cup group, which also includes Oklahoma City, Memphis and New Orleans. The Timberwolves visit San Antonio on October 31; the Clippers play at Golden State on November 1.