West-leading Timberwolves cool off Clippers with 109-105 victory

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) works towards the basket while Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 20 of his 33 points in the third quarter and Rudy Gobert had 15 points and 18 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-105 on Sunday night.

Norman Powell’s corner 3-pointer — his sixth of the game — capped a 20-6 surge by the Clippers over a four-plus-minute stretch that sliced their deficit to 103-100. Gobert, who missed seven free throws including earlier back-to-back airballs, made four foul shots in the final minute to nudge the Wolves to the finish line on a night when they had 19 turnovers and allowed 37 points in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns points after scoring during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 17 points for the West-leading Wolves (28-11), who held Clippers stars Paul George (16 points) and James Harden (14 points) to a combined 9-for-33 shooting from the floor. The Wolves, who lead the NBA in scoring defense, are 16-2 at home and 20-6 against their conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) celebrates scoring with forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Kawhi Leonard had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers (25-14), They have won 17 of their last 21 games.

NUGGETS 117, PACERS 109

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, finishing an assist shy of his 13th triple-double of the season in Denver’s victory over Indiana.

Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray matched Jokic with 25 points apiece for the Nuggets, who shot a season-high 64.8% from the field. Aaron Gordon added 20 points and 10 rebounds to help defending champion Denver improve to 17-4 at home.

Jokic made 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts. The two-time NBA MVP is shooting 81% from the field over his past nine games.

Former Nuggets player Bruce Brown had 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Indiana. The Pacers are 2-2 since losing star Tyrese Haliburton to a strained left hamstring.

HEAT 104, HORNETS 87

MIAMI (AP) — Bam Adebayo had 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, helping Miami beat Charlotte.

Tyler Herro made four 3-pointers and scored 21 points for Miami. The Heat went 11 for 25 from 3-point range while completing a four-game sweep of the regular-season series against Charlotte. They also won their 22nd straight game at home against Southeast Division opponents.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, drives past Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith, right, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Terry Rozier scored 26 points for Charlotte. The Hornets have dropped five in a row and 16 of 17.

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Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle pleads for a call in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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