‣ The Minnesota Timberwolves made NBA history by being the first team since the 2000-01 season to overcome a 22-point deficit on the road and then lead by at least 22 points, achieving this during their 118-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
‣ Anthony Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker played pivotal roles in the Timberwolves’ historic comeback, scoring 37 points and a season-high 28 points, respectively, marking the team’s largest rally since November 2012.
‣ The game’s turning point was the exit of Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ six-time All-Star forward, due to back spasms, after which the Timberwolves outscored the Clippers 63-37 in the second half, despite losing Rudy Gobert to a rib injury late in the game.
Since the 2000-01 season, there have been over 5,500 instances of an NBA team falling behind by 22+ points on the road (including playoffs).
The @Timberwolves are the only one of those to come back and later take a 22+ point lead themselves.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS)
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Wow, talk about a game of two halves, huh? The Minnesota Timberwolves did something no NBA team has managed before. They were down by 22 points on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers. Then, they flipped the script entirely, leading by at least 22 points. All of this happened during Tuesday night’s 118-100 win. It’s like they were playing two different games!
Since the 2000-01 season, over 5,500 times, a team has found itself in a similar hole on the road. But the Timberwolves stand alone in flipping it to such an advantage. It’s kind of like finding a needle in a haystack, but the needle is made of gold.
Betting sites, with their number-crunching wizards, had the Wolves at the 10th-shortest odds to win the championship. Even with those odds, teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers are still seen as more likely to take the crown. It’s a tough crowd out there.
Here’s a fun fact tweeted out: Since the 2000-01 season, there have been more than 5,500 instances of an NBA team trailing by 22+ points on the road. The @Timberwolves are the only team to turn such a deficit into a 22+ point lead of their own. Now, that’s a stat to remember.
The rally against the Clippers was Minnesota’s largest comeback since November 2012. Anthony Edwards was on fire, scoring 37 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added a season-high 28. They were unstoppable.
Mike Conley, who finished with 23 points, said, “It was no secret this was probably the biggest game of the NBA season for us so far.” Considering the stakes and the opponent, this win meant a lot. It was more than just a game; it was a statement.
But then, drama unfolded. Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ six-time All-Star forward, left the game with back spasms. He had been a key player, leading Los Angeles to a strong start. Without him, the dynamic changed.
Despite trailing at halftime, the Timberwolves outscored the Clippers 63-37 in the second half. Even losing Rudy Gobert to a rib injury didn’t slow them down. They dropped 34 points in the final period alone. Talk about a comeback!
Wolves coach Chris Finch said, “This team believes in itself.” He praised their defense and their ability to rally and support each other. It’s this belief and camaraderie that turned the game around.
Another tweet celebrated yet another 30+ point game. The Timberwolves are on a roll, and their energy is palpable. This win was a much-needed boost, especially after struggling to find consistent energy in the last few games.
Now, the Timberwolves are 2-2 on their six-game road trip. With momentum on their side, who knows what’s next? This game was a reminder of why we love sports – the unpredictability, the drama, and the sheer joy of a well-earned victory. What a game!
