The Timberwolves and the NBA’s “Next Man Up” mantra became next men up in Sunday’s 125-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Missing injured starter Zach LaVine and reserves Shabazz Muhammad and Brandon Rush, the Wolves found what they needed in both expected and unexpected places.
Five nights after he set a career-scoring high in Brooklyn, young star Andrew Wiggins did it again with a 47-point night.
With LaVine out because of a sore right knee, reserve forward Nemanja Bjelica moved into a starting lineup that suddenly became big with Wiggins in essence moved to shooting guard and Bjelica inserted to defend muscular Luol Deng at the small-forward spot.