The Wolves hold out against the Clippers in the NBA Cup and are eliminated after four games

The Wolves hold out against the Clippers in the NBA Cup and are eliminated after four games

Anthony Edwards ensured that the Timberwolves put an end to their losing streak.

With about two minutes left, Edwards hit the go-ahead 3-pointer and grabbed an offensive rebound on an offensive possession that ended up being unsuccessful, but he did it Friday night in a 93-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers running out the clock in an NBA Cup group game at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Wolves slipped for four games.

Leading 93-90 after Edwards hit the 3-pointer and went 1-for-2 from the free throw line after being fouled on a drive and the ensuing possession, the Wolves went on defense and Nickeil Alexander-Walker forced a turnover by Kevin Porter Jr. However, the Wolves turned the ball over on the ensuing possession and Ivica Zubac got a tip-in that cut the score to one.

The Wolves were unsuccessful with the ball late on offense, and Mike Conley missed a three-pointer, but Edwards grabbed a rebound. While he missed a tip-in, time ran out for the Clippers, who never got a glimpse of a game-winner again.

Edwards finished the game with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists.

There were moments of connection among the wolves throughout the night. In the third quarter, Edwards suffered a technical foul after arguing a no-call. James Harden missed the technical free throw and Edwards immediately responded with a 3-pointer. A few possessions later, Donte DiVincenzo found a superior Naz Reid for a layup and a 72-61 lead, Minnesota’s largest of the night. The Target Center crowd was electrified as LA called a timeout.

Of course there were still low points. The Wolves (9-10) scored three straight times to start the second half, and the Clippers (12-9) quickly closed a six-point deficit to two. DiVincenzo hit a 3-pointer between Reid and blocked Terrence Mann on consecutive possessions, giving the Wolves a six-point lead. But Kevin Porter Jr., who had the hot hand, hit a jumper to end the run. Porter scored 17 points off the bench for Los Angeles. Harden led the Clippers with 20 points and 11 assists.

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