Gobert and Conley Lead Timberwolves to Victory Over Trail Blazers, 119-114 – Sky Bulletin

In a robust performance at Minneapolis, Rudy Gobert achieved his 43rd double-double of the season, notching 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Michael Conley contributed with 19 points and seven assists, propelling the Minnesota Timberwolves to a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers with a final score of 119-114 on Monday night.

This triumph elevates Minnesota to a 43-19 record, placing them alongside Oklahoma City in sharing the top spot in the Western Conference standings, with the Thunder also scheduled to face the Lakers in Los Angeles the same evening. The Timberwolves boast of an exceptional record, leading the NBA with a 30-9 against conference adversaries, a 20-5 standing when playing sub-.500 teams, and a dominant 23-8 record at the Target Center, granting them the fifth-best home record league-wide.

“We understood the importance of performing well against lower-ranked teams heading into the season,” stated Minnesota’s coach Chris Finch prior to the matchup.

The scoring was also supported by Karl-Anthony Towns with 14 points, Anthony Edwards contributing 13 points, and Naz Reid who was perfect from the three-point line, shooting 4-for-4 to rack up 12 points, buoying a Timberwolves team in the midst of a congested schedule—finishing a seven-game homestand with a record of 4-3.

For the Trail Blazers, Anfernee Simons put on a remarkable display with 34 points, 14 assists and five rebounds, alongside Duop Reath who impressed from beyond the arc with a 5-for-6 shooting performance and 26 points for the night, despite Portland navigating through their third game in four nights.

With a 17-5 run largely influenced by Gobert’s 10 points and seven rebounds, the T-wolves were able to establish a 55-48 advantage by halftime. Gobert continued his dominance in the third quarter, including a three-point play on a dunk over Portland’s 7-foot-2 center, Moses Brown, which helped bolster Minnesota’s lead to 13 points.

The Trail Blazers managed to reduce the gap to three, but a clutch 3-pointer by Nickeil Alexander-Walker set the score at 86-80 at the end of the third. Alexander-Walker, who finished with 13 points, also closed the third quarter with a transition layup. Edwards ramped up the pressure in the fourth quarter scoring the majority of his 13 points, with Gobert contributing a pivotal block and Conley sealing the win with a three-pointer that extended the lead to 115-101 with just 1:22 left on the clock.

Portland was notably missing the services of several key players, including Scoot Henderson, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III and Mattise Thybulle due to various other commitments or injuries.

What’s Next

The Trail Blazers will return to host a six-game homestand with Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves will embark on their longest trip of the season, a six-game journey starting at Indiana on Thursday.

What records did the Timberwolves achieve with this victory?

Minnesota now ties for first place in the Western Conference with Oklahoma City and holds the league’s fifth-best home record.

Who was the top performer for the Timberwolves?

Rudy Gobert stood out with his 43rd double-double of the season, consisting of 25 points and 16 rebounds.

How many points did Anfernee Simons score for the Trail Blazers?

Simons scored 34 points, alongside 14 assists and five rebounds.

Were any key players absent for the Trail Blazers?

Yes, the Trail Blazers were missing several players including Scoot Henderson, Deandre Ayton, and Malcolm Brogdon, among others.

What is coming up next for both teams?

The Trail Blazers will host a six-game homestand starting with a game against Oklahoma City, while the Timberwolves will begin a six-game trip at Indiana.

Minnesota Timberwolves have maintained their impressive form, sweeping the season series against the Portland Trail Blazers with Rudy Gobert and Michael Conley leading the charge. Gobert’s dominant double-double performance along with strategic contributions from Conley, Towns, and others have positioned the Timberwolves as a serious contender in the Western Conference. Portland, dealing with a depleted roster, had a commendable showing from Simons and Reath, yet fell short in the tightly contested game. Both teams now look ahead to their respective homestands and road trips, as the regular season progresses with playoff positioning on the line.