The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a slow start and a short-handed roster Tuesday night, outscoring the Minnesota Timberwolves 75-61 after intermission to secure a 120-106 victory at Crypto.com Arena.
Playing without LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber, Los Angeles improved to 40-25. Minnesota dropped to 38-27.
Slow opening, tied at the break
Both offenses sputtered early, with the Lakers taking nearly five minutes to record their first basket. Minnesota managed only five points in that span and held a 21-16 lead after one quarter. Los Angeles missed its first 15 three-point attempts before Luka Dončić ended the drought late in the second period. Rui Hachimura’s corner three just before halftime brought the game even at 45-45.
Reaves ignites decisive third quarter
Early in the third, Dončić absorbed a hard foul from Donte DiVincenzo but stayed on the floor to score six straight points. Austin Reaves followed with a three-point play and a four-point play, helping the Lakers build a 15-point cushion. Los Angeles finished the quarter ahead 84-68.
Fourth-quarter knockout
Reaves struck again to open the fourth, converting another four-point play and burying a deep three that pushed the margin beyond reach. The Lakers maintained control the rest of the way, closing out their second straight win.
Up next
Los Angeles hosts the Chicago Bulls on Thursday before welcoming the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
Source: LakersNation.com
