Timberwolves hit reboot and keep Clippers reeling

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, November 1, 2026

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 127-101 in NBA Cup play without star Anthony Edwards, led by LaMelo Ball’s season-high 24 points and strong contributions from Jaden McDaniels and Jaylen Clark. This win highlights Minnesota’s depth and resilience as they adjust to Edwards’ absence due to knee surgery, while the Clippers face ongoing challenges integrating injured key players.

MINNEAPOLIS — 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 Anthony Edwards. LaMelo Ball led the Timberwolves with a season-high 24 points, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 23 points, demonstrating the team’s ability to perform amid Edwards’ absence due to arthroscopic knee surgery.

Edwards underwent the procedure following a wear-and-tear injury that limited him to a career-low 61 games in the 2025-26 season. His latest medical evaluation confirmed the need for surgery, sidelining him during a critical stretch for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota bounced back from a narrow 119-114 loss to Golden State on Wednesday, relying heavily on Ball’s scoring and McDaniels’ all-around play. McDaniels tallied 11 of 15 shooting from the field, along with seven assists and six rebounds. Backup guard Jaylen Clark also made a significant defensive impact, helping disrupt Clippers star Darius Garland, forcing five turnovers, and finishing with five points, two steals, and a plus-23 plus-minus rating in 17 minutes.

Ball’s performance was highlighted by three three-pointers in the final quarter, fueling a decisive 20-2 run that extended the Timberwolves’ lead. Minnesota’s four victories in the competition have each been by margins greater than 20 points, showcasing their capacity to dominate even without Edwards.

For the Clippers, Garland scored 24 points on 10-for-22 shooting, and Brook Lopez chipped in 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. However, the team suffered its fourth straight defeat. The Clippers have been coping without new additions Brandon Ingram and Max Strus, both sidelined by foot injuries. Rookie Keaton Wagler struggled with his shot, going two-for-11 for 12 points and posting a minus-24 rating. Rui Hachimura returned to the starting lineup after missing one game with a quadriceps issue, scoring 12 points in 26 minutes.

The Clippers will look to regain momentum as they work through injuries and integrate their new players, while the Timberwolves continue to adjust to a lineup without Edwards, relying on Ball and emerging contributors like McDaniels and Clark.

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