Final Score: vs. Minnesota 113-96 [L]
Full article: http://www.nba.com/games/20180406/MINLAL#/recap
Next Game: vs. Utah (04/08)
Highlights: *Courtesy of House of Highlights*
The Lakers were good here only for the first half. Brook Lopez, in particular, started hot out of the gate with 15 quick points. The offense early on ran through him since he was the hot hand. Julius Randle and Josh Hart got the Wolves in early foul trouble during that first half. They did a nice job drawing contact on defenders and getting to the free throw line. Randle finished the night making a perfect 10-10 free throws while Hart followed shooting 5-7 from the line. Free throws seemed to be the best friend for the Lakers for once in awhile and it helped build a 7 point lead at the half. Though the second half, it was an entirely different story. Whatever adjustments Tom Thibodeau made at half time defensively, the Timberwolves put the clamps on and played like a team vying for a playoff spot. They forced the Lakers to commit 20 turnovers while they only committed 5 TOs. If I recall from a graphic, the Timberwolves outscored the Lakers in points off turnovers 23-3. We all know, when the Lakers commit so many turnovers, they are guaranteed to lose a game. But where credit it is due, the Timberwolves drained the Lakers with their defense. Not to mention, Jimmy Butler's return provided a big morale boost for Minnesota as he finished with 18 points and lead the team with 4 steals. Final Stats: Julius Randle racked up a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Brook Lopez finished with 18 points. Josh Hart racked up a double-double off the bench with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Ivica Zubac added 14 points and 9 rebounds to the 2nd unit. Kyle Kuzma left the game in early with an ankle sprain and scored a measly 2 points after a 30-point explosion last game against the Spurs. Hopefully, he did not re-aggravate the ankle injury he sustained 3-4 weeks ago in the last regular season matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
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