Julian Andrews
Web Editorial Associate
Twitter
Jimmy Butler returned to action in an absolute must-win for the Wolves, and Minnesota took care of the Lakers 113-96 at Staples Center, securing their hold on the West’s eighth seed. The Wolves now need a combined two wins and Nuggets losses to clinch a playoff spot.
In a somewhat odd start to this one, Brook Lopez turned back the clock and scored the Lakers’ first 15 points! But the Wolves hung with L.A. behind nine first-quarter points from Jeff Teague and seven Lakers turnovers forced by quick hands from the Wolves, including two Butler steals.