The Indiana Pacers pulled off one of the most impressive victories of the season by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 132-130 in overtime. Despite playing without several of its key players, the team found a way to compete and come out on top thanks to a stellar performance by Obi Toppin, who scored 34 points and sealed the victory with a three-pointer with 3.5 seconds remaining. Minnesota, which was looking for its ninth consecutive win, saw its streak cut short at home in a game that had everything from ejections, lead changes and a dramatic outcome.
An Even Match From The Start
The Timberwolves came into the game with the confidence of having won eight straight games and were facing a Pacers team missing four of their key starters. On paper, Minnesota seemed to have the advantage, especially playing at home, but it was clear from the first quarter that Indiana was not going to give up easily.
The first period was back-and-forth, with both teams exchanging baskets without a clear advantage. Minnesota opened with a 7-2 run, but the Pacers quickly responded to even the score 30-30 at the close of the first quarter. In the second period, Indiana surprised with a big offensive run, outscoring the Timberwolves 30-16 at the half. Despite the absences, the team achieved a good ball circulation and found spaces to punish from the three-point line.
By halftime, the Pacers led the game with 51% shooting from the field, while the Wolves were shooting just 37.8%. Obi Toppin was outstanding with 13 points and five rebounds, while Andrew Nembhard and Thomas Bryant contributed 10 points each.
A Third Quarter Full of Tension
The game heated up in the third quarter when Andrew Nembhard and Rudy Gobert were ejected after a controversial play. As Nembhard advanced with the ball, he hit Mike Conley in the head, prompting an immediate reaction from Gobert, who gave him a hard shove. In response, Nembhard threw the ball against Gobert's back, prompting the referees to review the play and call a flagrant 2 foul on the Frenchman, while Nembhard received his second technical foul of the night.
Despite losing Nembhard, the Pacers did not crumble. Minnesota took advantage of the point guard's absence to press more on offense and built a five-point lead with just over five minutes left in the quarter. However, Indiana responded with a collective effort, keeping them close on the scoreboard.
Anthony Edwards, who had been named Player of the Week in the Western Conference, took the offensive reins for the Timberwolves. The shooting guard scored 29 of his 38 points after halftime, showing his ability to lead the team in key moments. However, his shooting from the perimeter was far from effective, missing 10 of his 11 three-point attempts.
A Dramatic Closing Match AND A Heart-Stopping Overtime
With the score tied in the final seconds of regulation time, T.J. McConnell scored the basket that sent the game into overtime. Minnesota had the final possession, but Edwards' three-point attempt did not go in, forcing five additional minutes of play.
In overtime, the Timberwolves built a 126-123 lead with just over a minute remaining. It looked like victory was assured, but the Pacers never gave up the fight. Thomas Bryant hit a key three-pointer and, with 26.6 seconds on the clock, Indiana took a 129-128 lead.
Minnesota tried to respond, but Obi Toppin had other plans. With just 3.5 seconds remaining, the forward hit his seventh three-pointer of the night, securing the win for the Pacers. On the final possession, Julius Randle attempted a mid-range shot, but his fadeaway fell short and the Timberwolves saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end.
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Indiana Demonstrates Strength Despite Absences
Indiana's win is even more creditable considering the team played without four of its key starters, including Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith. Despite these losses, they managed to stay competitive thanks to a great collective effort and an inspired night from Obi Toppin.
The Pacers hit 17 three-pointers all night, outrebounding Minnesota's 13, and showed a level of resiliency that surprised everyone. This win not only ends the Timberwolves' streak, but also sends a clear message that Indiana can compete with any team, even in the toughest of circumstances.
