The Minnesota Timberwolves secured victory over the Clippers with a strong second half performance.
Anthony Edwards disclosed that teammate Rudy Gobert scolded the team at halftime for their poor display (Image via Tom Azarly/Minnesota Timberwolves/X)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are striving to maintain their position at the top of the Western Conference. Securing home-court advantage in the playoffs is crucial for their success, especially when facing some of the league’s top superstars in April.
This objective is deeply ingrained in the minds of the Minnesota locker room’s superstars. Therefore, when they began to falter in the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers, one player called out their teammates during halftime. Journalist Law Murray asked Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards who was reprimanding the team in the locker room. Edwards replied that it was Gobert who was using strong language to motivate everyone during halftime.
The Los Angeles Clippers have been the most dominant team since December last year. Adjustments to their starting lineup have brought out their best performance. The Timberwolves are well aware that the Clippers pose a significant threat to their top-seed status. A loss to the Clippers would complicate matters at the end of the regular season if both teams end up with the same record.
Anthony Edwards revealed that someone on the Timberwolves criticized the team during halftime, which sparked a strong third quarter against the Clippers:
@LawMurrayTheNU: “Who was the one using strong language?”
Ant: “Rudy.”
“English or French?”
“English. We don’t understand French.”
Head-to-head records play a crucial role in determining the final playoff positions. The Clippers have the momentum to claim the top seed. That is why Rudy Gobert felt the need to motivate his teammates to perform better.
The Los Angeles Clippers gradually built a lead during the first half. The Timberwolves couldn’t help but wonder how to overcome the star-studded squad. Gobert’s passionate words reignited their fire. From the second half onwards, the Timberwolves made adjustments to their game that turned the tide in their favor.
A third quarter surge of 40-19 propelled the Timberwolves ahead of the Clippers. They played with increased speed and displayed smarter defensive tactics. The final score was 121-100 in favor of the Timberwolves. This victory gives them a 2-0 record against the Clippers this season, with two more games to come. It also ensures they remain ahead for the time being.
If Rudy Gobert had not motivated his teammates, the Clippers would have been in pole position to secure the top seed. Anthony Edwards and his teammates needed that motivation.
According to the Source firstsportz.com