Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio didn't have a terrific first three quarters for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they brought their best at the end of the fourth against the Los Angeles Clippers, hitting two massive shots to capture a win. Rubio made just one field goal in the entire game, but the one he made was huge -- a game-tying three in the final minute. After getting a stop on the other end, Love nailed the game-winner as time expired, giving Minnesota the win by a final score of 101-98.
Timberwolves Vs. Clippers Final Score: Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio Provide Heroics In Minnesota Buzzer-Beater Win
The Clippers began the fourth quarter leading 81-72 and the first six minutes of the quarter were both fairly even and a bit low scoring. The T’Wolves had began to cut into the lead when the game reached its turning point with 6:20 remaining. The Clippers were leading 89-85 when Mo Williams, playing an even more important role than usual with Chris Paul sitting, picked up a second technical foul and was ejected. Though Los Angeles did not relinquish their lead until the end of the game, it much more winnable for Minnesota from that point forward, due to the Clippers’ reduced offensive options.
Leading 98-95, the Clippers took the ball up the court with 49 seconds remaining in the game. They should have been looking for a high-percentage shot, but instead Ryan Gomes took a 20-foot fadeaway jump shot with six seconds remaining on the shot clock, which he missed. Luke Ridnour grabbed the rebound and pushed the ball up the floor, helping Minnesota to quickly create a three-point shot for Rubio, which he hit to tie the score at 98-98.
With Paul and Williams unavailable, the ball was in Chauncy Billups' hands on the Clippers' final possession. Rubio played flawless defense, staying in front of Billups and getting his hands up, altering his shot on an attempted driving lay-up and forcing the miss. Love grabbed the rebound and Rick Adelman called timeout with 1.5 seconds remaining on the clock.
Minnesota drew up a brilliant play, with Love coming off a screen for a wide open three-point look. Ridnour inbounded and Love knocked down the jumper, stunning the Staples’ center crowd and giving the Timberwolves’ a dramatic victory.
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