Timberwolves gain ground in West by stopping Clippers

Getting healthier at guard, but playing without a sick Andrew Wiggins, the Wolves hosted the Los Angeles Clippers in a game as close to must-win as one might imagine at this point in the season.

And so, with a tweaked starting lineup that included both Dario Saric and Luol Deng, the Wolves went out and did just enough in a 130-120 victory.

Using a monster 33-5 run that ran from late in the second quarter until midway through the second, the Wolves seemingly took control of the game, ultimately going up 23 points with 5:53 left in the third quarter.

The Clippers responded with a run that pulled them within 119-115 with 4 minutes left.

But, out of a timeout, the Wolves scored six straight to take…