MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves look like a team that wants to avoid the Western Conference play-in round.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards poured in 25 points apiece as the Timberwolves whipped the Bucks, 138-119.
Towns also grabbed 11 rebounds in Minnesota’s 10th win in 11 games. The Wolves shot 22 of 47 from downtown, including 9 of 14 in a decisive third quarter.
Minnesota is within a half-game of Denver for the sixth seed in the West. The top six seeds avoid the play-in.
Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Pat Connaughton each had 15 points for Milwaukee, which was without Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-tah-KOON’-poh) because of right knee soreness.
Checking out Saturday’s other NBA action:
— Charlotte has a four-game winning streak after Miles Bridges scored 23 points and P.J. Washington added a season-high 21 in a 129-108 dismantling of the Mavericks. Terry Rozier scored 18 points, and LaMelo Ball and Kelly Oubre each had 17 points for the Hornets. Luka Doncic (DAHN’-chihch) had 37 points and eight 3s for the Mavs, who were playing their fifth road game in eight nights.
— Darius Garland and Evan Mobley each had double-doubles as the Cavaliers got past the Pistons, 113-109. Garland finished with 24 points and 12 assists, while Mobley contributed 12 points, 11 boards, and six assists. Cedi (CHEH’-dee) Osman scored 16 points to help Cleveland clinch its first non-losing season in four years.
— LeBron James passed Karl Malone for second place on the NBA’s career scoring list while scoring 38 points in the Lakers’ 127-119 loss to the Wizards. Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS’-tahps pohr-ZIHN’-gihs) scored 16 of his 27 points in the final quarter to help Washington storm back from a 16-point deficit. Porzingis connected on a 3-pointer with 38 seconds left to put the Wizards up by six.
