NBA: Short-handed Timberwolves stay hot, beat Kings

Julius Randle’s double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds, coupled with Naz Reid’s 20 points and 11 rebounds, led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a commanding 117-103 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday in Minneapolis.

Jaden McDaniels also contributed 21 points, while Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland each chipped in with 18 points for the Timberwolves, who earned their seventh victory in their last eight games.

Minnesota, despite playing without three-time All-Star Anthony Edwards (right foot soreness) and starting guard Mike Conley (right Achilles tendinopathy), held off the Kings with a strong all-around effort. Rudy Gobert also left the game in the third quarter due to what was labeled as personal reasons. Gobert finished the game with seven points and 12 rebounds.

The Timberwolves controlled the boards, finishing with a 48-36 rebound advantage, and extended their season-long dominance over the Kings, winning three of four meetings this season.

Sacramento’s DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa, and Dennis Schroder each scored 17 points. Schroder, who returned from a seven-game absence due to a hip issue, provided a spark for the Kings, but their recent struggles continued. Zach LaVine, who scored 10 points in the first half, was ruled out for the remainder of the game after tweaking his ankle.

Russell Westbrook contributed eight points and 10 assists, but the Kings have now lost seven of their last eight games.

The Timberwolves seized control in the second half after Sacramento briefly led 54-51 early in the third quarter. A 15-0 run, highlighted by three 3-pointers from McDaniels, Randle, and DiVincenzo, put Minnesota back in front. The Kings tried to rally in the fourth, with Schroder’s step-back jumper bringing the Kings within one at 93-92. But Hyland quickly responded with six points, sparking a 14-3 run to extend the Timberwolves’ lead.

Sacramento’s last push came late in the game, with Keegan Murray hitting a 3-pointer to close the gap to 107-101 with 2:22 remaining. However, Reid silenced the rally by drilling a 3-pointer on the next possession, putting the game out of reach for the Kings.

Despite a late effort from DeRozan and Murray, who scored a dunk to cut the Timberwolves' lead to 88-84 at the end of the third quarter, Minnesota maintained control through the final period to secure the win. -Field Level Media/Reuters