MINNEAPOLIS — In a thrilling Monday night contest, Obi Toppin drained a decisive three-pointer with just 3.5 seconds remaining in overtime, propelling the Indiana Pacers to a narrow 132-130 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The victory marked the end of the Timberwolves’ impressive eight-game winning streak. Toppin was exceptional, achieving a season-high 34 points and exhibiting precision from beyond the arc with a 7-for-10 performance. This effort lifted the short-handed Pacers, who were without their top six scorers towards the end of the game. Key players including four of the starters had to sit this one out. Additionally, Andrew Nembhard faced an ejection in the third quarter, and Bennedict Mathurin fouled out in the fourth.
Anthony Edwards was a standout for Minnesota, contributing 29 of his 38 points post-halftime. Despite the Timberwolves having a five-point cushion with a minute left in overtime, Thomas Bryant managed to connect from long range. Following an unsuccessful deep attempt from Edwards, Toppin seized the moment with a crucial shot, leaving Julius Randle’s last-second fadeaway just shy of success.
In the game for the Pacers, T.J. McConnell showcased his playmaking abilities with 11 points coupled with 13 assists, including a pivotal layup that tied the game with just 4.6 seconds remaining in regulation.
Observations:
For the Pacers, the game demonstrated the depth of their bench. With regular figures such as Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, and Myles Turner taking the night off due to various reasons, the substitutes played unrestrained and energetic basketball. As a result, Indiana remains in a competitive position, trailing Milwaukee by one game for the fourth slot in the Eastern Conference.
The Timberwolves faced a challenging scenario, as dealing with depleted rosters has often brought unexpected threats. Coupled with the fatigue from playing the night before, it was a tough evening. Even though Edwards, who had poured in 41 points against Utah previously, provided much-needed energy, his shooting was not at its best.
Game-Changing Events:
A critical moment occurred when Nembhard, while driving to the basket, caught Mike Conley with an elbow. Rudy Gobert’s subsequent shoulder check and Nembhard’s reaction of tossing the ball at him resulted in a second technical foul after video review. This incident ignited the audience with the Timberwolves trailing at 66-58.
Notable Statistic:
Despite leading the league in three-pointers, Anthony Edwards struggled from long range, landing just 1 out of 11 attempts.
Upcoming Matches:
The Indiana Pacers are set to host Dallas on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves will face New Orleans at home on both Wednesday and Friday.
