The Lakers descend on the wire, repel Timberwolves – Orange County Register

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LOS ANGELES – The Lakers knew that they had better bounce back in their rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Maybe they did not know how much better.

After a late possession in which the Lakers recovered the ball three times, they defeated 114-110, thanks to three late free throws by Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart. Two of the offensive rebounds came from Tyson Chandler, who was playing his first game with the Lakers (5-6) after his official signing Tuesday.

It was a much more comprehensive effort than at the previous meeting, a week and a half ago in Minnesota. While the Lakers allowed 20 3-point baskets, they limited the Timberwolves shooters to 33% in a second half by 43 points and reversed the rebound advantage. It was the team's second victory over a strong West Conference team in the last three games and the Lakers felt like they were showing their potential.

"I thought the way we played in the second half was a great example of the team we need to be," said coach Luke Walton. "And we have been in the race this season. But it's the team that can count on saves and a win with their defense. "

The Lakers have been in the habit of keeping their playoffs this season, and on Wednesday night, they continued their momentum.

The Lakers led by seven points in the last two minutes after a key-3 pointer by Kuzma. But Derrick Rose, who has used this season to remind his fans that he was once the league's most valuable player, toppled three points in a row to reduce the gap to a point at 1:06 of the end.

This led the Lakers to a series of clumsy attempts, but each was recovered – either by rebound or by Minnesota losing the ball out of bounds. Finally, nine seconds from the end, Kuzma was the victim of a foul and made the first of two free throws.

On the ensuing possession, Rose took a sharp look at another 3-pointer but missed it.

The match helped the Lakers move from Sunday's discouraging defeat to the Toronto Raptors. LeBron James was on the eve of a triple-double Wednesday, finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 9 badists while wearing a headband as part of his usual outfit early in his career, but who became less common since.

He was as satisfied as anyone in the locker room with recent developments.

"It's the maximum we've defended in almost 48 minutes all year," he said. "We did it against a very good team."

After worrying about being burned down by Minnesota (4-8) beyond the arc nine days ago, the revenge was not much more effective in this regard. particular aspect. The Lakers (5-6) conceded 10 3-point baskets in only the first half, fighting a smaller Wolves formation and center-back Taj Gibson, who stretched to the perimeter himself (3 for 5 from 3 points).

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