Alex Bader
MINNEAPOLIS -- Did someone say Deja Vu? The Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Los Angeles Clippers for the second time and their fourth straight loss on home court, 104-84 Clippers. The Wolves had the lead but failed to show up in the second half, yet again, and now find themselves two games below .500 on the season.
It was the night of the debut of the new city jerseys. The energy and hype was there early from the players and the fans.
Minnesota came to play tonight. They got off to an aggressive start, driving to the hoop and knocking down their shots. They stopped PG from dishing out damage in the first half. They were able to defend the 3-pointers much better.
After making almost all of their shots Wednesday, Los Angeles missed a lot more shots early in tonight's game. They struggled to make baskets and went on several possessions without a bucket.
Minnesota went into the second quarter with a 10 point lead over Los Angeles, 33-23.
The Timberwolves have proven that they can start games well and jump out to early leads, but now the test is going to be keeping the lead throughout the game and making sure to not let up.
Minnesota started the second quarter very impressively. They went on several runs and continued to force difficult shots for the Clippers.
With just over five minutes left in the second quarter, the Timberwolves had an 18 point lead over the Clippers with a score of 49-31.
Edwards had picked up three fouls and it was easy to see that the Wolves' players were getting rattled with some of the calls. ANT would have to take a seat for the rest of the quarter.
The Timberwolves controlled the game for the most part, however, for the last six minutes in the second quarter it was all Clippers.
Los Angeles went on a 12-0 scoring run with just over two minutes left to get within striking distance of the Wolves.
Minnesota was able to fend off the run and came out with a 10 point lead over Los Angeles going into the third quarter, 57-47.
The Timberwolves jumped out to a lead and never looked back in the first half. KAT led the way with 13 points and five boards. ANT had 10 points in the first half.
However, McDaniels, KAT, and ANT all had three personal fouls after one half. They would have to play smart in the second half to remain on the court.
The Timberwolves did a great job at defending the 3-pointer, holding the Clippers to 2-13 from behind the arc in the first half. That is only 15.4 percent from behind the arc.
Minnesota would need to continue to play great defensively and force contested shots.
They also would need to not let up once the third and fourth quarters start. In the last couple of games, they have gone into the seance half after a great first and just did not show up. It would be a huge bounce-back win if the Timberwolves could pull it out.
However, the same bad habit continued. The Timberwolves started the third quarter with poor shooting and allowed the Clippers to come right back into the game.
With six minutes left in the third quarter, the Timberwolves' lead was cut down to 1 by the Clippers.
With just under three minutes to play in the third quarter, the Timberwolves trailed the Clippers 66-61.
Minnesota had lost all momentum and the 20 point lead in the first half was erased. The Wolves found themselves chasing the game again after having a promising start.
At the end of the third quarter, the Timberwolves trailed the Clippers by three, 75-72 Clippers.
Minnesota pulled back and put together a run at the end of the quarter on the backs of Beasley and ANT.
Minnesota would need both to stay hot in the fourth quarter.
However, the Clippers started hot, and Paul George finally heated up. He was quiet all night, but got four straight points in the fourth quarter.
The Clippers had an 81-72 lead over the Wolves with 10 minutes to play in the game.
Jaden McDaniels fouled out with just under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The Clippers took the momentum and energy away from Minnesota. With six minutes left to play, the Clippers had the lead with a score of 94-76.
It never got better for Minnesota. With just over three minutes to play, Los Angeles had an 18 point lead, 100-82.
Head Coach Finch decided to pull ANT and KAT and give some bench players time. The writing was on the wall at that point.
Minnesota fell to the Clippers by a score of 104-84. It was their fourth straight loss, all at home.
Something has to change.
KAT had 20 points and ANT had 17. Malik Beasley had 18 points off of the bench and was arguably the best player on the Wolves squad.
Minnesota shot 34.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the 3-pointer.
Los Angeles shot 41.4 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from beyond the arc. Clippers were 26-32 on the free-throw line, compared to Minnesota 5-7.
Fouls again were an issue and kept the other team in the game.
BADER'S TAKE
@$#%
For the last three games, the Timberwolves started well and got the lead but fell apart when it matters most- the second half. Minnesota had 33 in the first quarter, 24 in the second, 15 in the third, and 12 in the fourth quarter. Compare that with the Clippers, who had 23, 24, 28, and 29.
It was the same thing last game, and the game before, and the game before. The season is early but this is a scary trend. How is it where they can shine so early but fail to show in the second half for not just one, but multiple games?
'
This four-game losing skid has happened all on home court. The fans are let down again in what already was a rocky relationship. It looked like a very bright season to begin with, with three wins, including one over the Bucks.
I just hope that this doesn't sway the faith of the fans. All teams go through rough patches during the season. It could be a blessing that it comes so early, giving them time to have a chance.
With that said, the Wolves will need to have a positive road trip in the coming week. A road trip good is just the thing to solve the issues as it gives the players to bond and builds chemistry. They will have more time on planes and in the hotels to get on the same page.
They have four road games against some good teams; the Grizzlies, Warriors, Lakers, and again the Clippers. If they can go and steal 3 of the four and build some momentum, then fans should not be worried. It is a long season and a positive road trip could be just what the doctor ordered to save the Wolves.
KAT will have to step up and play better on the road trip and start to get into the paint more. He needs to be the bully and stop being bullied. When he attacks the rim, he gets the easy buckets and possible free throws.
Defensively, he needs to be better in the paint. He has to be physical and not allow the easy buckets in the paint.
Tonight the team had foul trouble all night, something that also needs to be corrected on the road trip. McDaniels has had foul trouble for the last couple of games, and I would say it is not something to be worried about, yet.
If it continues on this road trip, then changes should be made to the lineup.
It comes down to Finch also getting the right plays to get KAT the ball more.
Minnesota has a huge road trip that could build some momentum for them, if they fix the issues at hand.
What's Next:
Minnesota Timberwolves ( 3-5 ) At. Memphis Grizzlies ( 5-4 ) on Monday November 8th, 2021, Tip-off at 7 p.m.
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