The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 104 - 101, at Staples Center on Thursday. Despite there being just five ties and four lead changes, this game was close throughout. In fact, no team led by more than 12 points, as this was a single - digit game for well over 40 minutes. Minnesota finally closed things out for the first time all year, as they finished the game on a 11 - 4 run to cap off their first win within four points. Shooting was the downfall for the Clippers, as they shot 18 percent from three - point range and 54 percent from the free - throw line. Minnesota (15 - 28) was 0 - 10 in games decided by four points or less coming into this matchup, as this big win cracked that ugly spell. Karl-Anthony Towns was the player of the game, accumulating 37 points, 12 rebounds and five assists on 17 - of - 24 from the field. Andrew Wiggins was just as good, totaling 27 points, four rebounds and four assists. Gorgui Dieng was the only other T'Wolf in double - figures, collecting 13 points and seven rebounds. Ricky Rubio left in the first half with a hip injury and finished the game with no points, four rebounds and four assists. The Timberwolves will host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday for their next game. Los Angeles (29 - 15) had to play their first game without Chris Paul (hand) and this could be a sign of things to come. DeAndre Jordan did all he could in the absence of Paul and Blake Griffin though, as he dropped a career - high 29 points to go along with 16 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Austin Rivers was second on the team, tallying 20 points and two assists before fouling out in the final two minutes. Raymond Felton started for Paul and contributed 10 points, four rebounds and eight assists. The Clippers will be in Denver on Saturday for their next game.
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