MINNEAPOLIS - Andrew Wiggins poured 47 points on Sunday night and the Minnesota Timberwolves scored an easy 125-99 decision over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers at the Target Center.
Wiggins waxed hot early, scoring 13 in the opening quarter as the Wolves raced to a 36-27 lead. He added 12 more in the second quarter and Minnesota increased its lead to 69-46. Wiggins' 47-point outburst matched the total points scored by the entire Lakers starters combined.
"I just tried to be aggressive. We have to have that mindset that whoever comes in our house can't win and it has to be the hardest place to play" said Wiggins during his post game interview."
Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau told Wiggins before tip off to be more aggressive because three players were out due to injury --- Zach LaVine (sore right knee), Brandon Rush (sprained right big toe) and Shabazz Muhammad (sore right knee).
Thibodeau inserted 6-foot-10 Nemanja Bjelica for the first time in the starting lineup as small forward and Wiggins moved to shooting guard in lieu of LaVine.
Bjelica, the European League's MVP, was very productive and went 5-for-8 beyond the arc and 9-for-15 in the field. He tallied 24 points and 8 boards.
Karl-Anthony "Katman" Towns recorded his 5th double-double of the season with 22 points and 12 boards. Timberwolf point guard Ricky Rubio returned from a five-game absence and delivered 10 points. Adrian Payne also had 10 off the bench.
Lou Williams paced the Lakers with 17 while Julius Randle added 14. Nick Young finished with 9..
Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson netted 14 points to go with his three boards. He played for 22 minutes and went 6-for-10 from the field.
"Hi Cebu! Hi Philippines hello everybody see you all soon," Clarkson told PhilBoxing.com.
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The Timberwolves will host the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night (Wednesday AM in Manila). The Lakers will also be home Tuesday night, hosting the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center.
Photo: Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau during post game press conference. Photo by: Daniel Quindao Guden of PhilBoxing.com.
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