Despite losing Anthony Edwards and Taurean Prince to league health and safety protocols on game morning, the Timberwolves, led by Karl-Anthony Towns, dominated the Lakers in an easy 110-92 win on Friday. in the evening.

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Minnesota also beat the Lakers 107-83 in Los Angeles on November 12, although the Lakers were playing without LeBron James in that game. LA entered this matchup on a three-game win streak and is looking to win four in a row for the first time this season.

But he couldn’t compete with the energy and play of the young Timberwolves. To make matters worse, Anthony Davis left the game midway through the third quarter with a contusion to his left knee. The severity of the injury has not yet been reported.

In the nationally televised game, rare for the Timberwolves, Towns got to work early and finished with 28 points (11 of 20 from the floor), 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in just 32 minutes.

He shot 9 of 14 in the first half and finished the game with more than 23.

It didn’t matter who defended Towns; He displayed ingenious footwork, a soft touch of shooting, and powerful movements around the basket.

“I think he’s the best one-on-one post player with his back to the basket in the league,” said the Wolves head coach. Chris Finch said after the game.

This block from James showed how he dominated at both ends of the court.

Minnesota has now won three in a row to go 14-15, a half game behind the Mavericks for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers were also hard hit by COVID-19, with six players on health and safety protocols. These absences, combined with some early injuries, have not allowed the Lakers to string games with a completely healthy roster, making it difficult for them to gain momentum.

The superstar duo of James and Russell Westbrook combined for just 37 points and failed to make a comeback in the second half. The result of Davis’s knee MRI would be key to the team’s future.