Timberwolves beat Clippers 127-101 in NBA Cup game in Los Angeles

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 127-101 on Friday night in NBA Cup group play, marking their first win without star player Anthony Edwards, CBS News Los Angeles reported.

LaMelo Ball led the Timberwolves with a season-high 24 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 23 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Backup guard Jaylen Clark contributed defensively, helping limit the Clippers' Darius Garland.

The Timberwolves used a strong fourth-quarter surge, including three 3-pointers by Ball, to pull away with a 20-2 run. This victory was their fourth by more than 20 points in the season so far.

The Clippers, now 1-4, lost their fourth straight game and have been playing without injured newcomers Brandon Ingram and Max Strus. Rui Hachimura returned from a quadriceps injury to score 12 points.

Edwards underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after a recent exam showed the need for the procedure, CBS News Los Angeles said. The Timberwolves have been adjusting their lineup as he recovers.

The Timberwolves' win shows how the team can perform effectively despite Edwards' absence, with Ball and McDaniels stepping up as key contributors.