LOS ANGELES – The Timberwolves came into Sunday's game against the Lakers down both of their starting big men in Karl-Anthony Towns, out because of knee surgery, and Rudy Gobert, who was a game-time decision, but decided to sit because of right hamstring tightness.
A team that has grown accustomed to playing big now had to play a relatively healthy Lakers team without two-thirds of its formidable frontcourt – and a team that has prided itself on defense had to win a shootout.
The Wolves had three quarters of good offense in them, but that dried up in the fourth quarter of a 120-109 loss to the Lakers.