Coach Thibodeau's Timberwolves never were being blown out, but the Lakers' lead climbed to 15 at halftime. The Wolves made a little run in the second half, but the outcome was never really in question once it became clear the Lakers came to play. Every Lakers player that got playing time scored the ball, proving the team chemistry that many did not expect this soon.
Timofey Mosgov - 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 steal (7-7 FG%
Jordan Clarkson - 16 points, 4 assists, 1 steal (4-9 3PT%)
Brandon Ingram - 14 points, 2 steals, 4 blocks
D'Angelo Russell - 12 points, 5 assists, 1 steal
Lou Williams - 11 points, 5 assists
Larry Nance Jr. - 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
Tarik Black - 7 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Luol Deng - 6 points
Jose Calderon - 6 points, 5 assists, 3 steals (2-2 3PT%)
Julius Randle - 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Nick Young - 5 points
Yi Jianlian - 5 points, 4 rebounds
Anthony Brown - 3 points, 1 steal
The Lakers were a force on defense, and it was a peculiar sight to behold after former units being awful defensively in years past.
In the loss, Zach Lavine heated up late for 20 points and Andrew Wiggins had 18 points. Karl Anthony-Towns had a bit of a struggle with 11 points and 10 rebounds, as the Lakers double-teamed him as soon as he touched the ball. Brandon Ingram disrupted several plays with his defensive talent, intercepting passes by Rubio (3-13 FG%, 11 assists), using his long wingspan to block layups down low, while Minnesota just kept missing shots all night. New rookie guard Kris Dunn was frustrated into 4 turnovers.
In one stellar display, Jordan Clarkson gave a slick bounce pass to Jose Calderon for an open 3PTer.
