Timberwolves beat Clippers without Anthony Edwards

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 127-101 on Friday without star guard Anthony Edwards, with LaMelo Ball leading the team with 24 points. This win improved Minnesota’s record to 4-2 and demonstrated their depth as they adjust during Edwards’ recovery from knee surgery.

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 127-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night in NBA Cup group play, marking their first win without star guard Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. The game took place at the Timberwolves' home court.

LaMelo Ball led Minnesota with a season-high 24 points, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 23 points in a strong all-around performance. Bones Hyland also provided valuable support off the bench, scoring 19 points and dishing out eight assists. The Timberwolves improved their record to 4-2 with the win.

Edwards underwent the procedure earlier this week after a fresh medical examination revealed the need for surgery to address ongoing wear-and-tear issues. The 2025-26 season had been limited to just 61 games for Edwards, his career low. Minnesota had struggled prior to Friday’s game, dropping a 119-114 contest to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, following an overtime loss at Cleveland on Monday.

Friday's game highlighted the Timberwolves’ depth as Ball hit three three-pointers in the fourth quarter during a decisive 20-2 scoring run that broke the game open. McDaniels was highly efficient, going 11-of-15 from the field, while also recording seven assists and six rebounds. Backup guard Jaylen Clark provided defensive relief for McDaniels, particularly in containing Clippers guard Darius Garland. Clark registered five points, two steals, and a plus-23 rating in 17 minutes of play, helping to force five turnovers on Garland.

For the Clippers, Garland led all scorers with 24 points on 10-of-22 shooting. Brook Lopez contributed 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. The Clippers dropped to 1-4 with their fourth straight loss.

Los Angeles has been without key additions Brandon Ingram and Max Strus, both sidelined with foot injuries. Rookie Keaton Wagler struggled, finishing with 12 points on 2-of-11 shooting and a minus-24 plus-minus rating. Rui Hachimura returned to the starting lineup after missing one game due to a quadriceps issue, scoring 12 points in 26 minutes.

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