Toppin’s Late Three-Pointer Snatches Victory from Timberwolves in Overtime

MINNEAPOLIS — Obi Toppin‘s fourth three-pointer of overtime came with 3.5 seconds remaining, lifting the Indiana Pacers over the Minnesota Timberwolves 132-130 on Monday night. The victory ended Minnesota’s eight-game winning streak and was crucial for Indiana as they aim for a strong playoff position.

Toppin, who scored a season-high 34 points on 7-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc, played a pivotal role for the Pacers, who were missing their top six scorers. Four starters were sidelined, and Andrew Nembhard was ejected in the third quarter while Bennedict Mathurin fouled out in the fourth.

Despite Toppin’s performance, the Timberwolves had been in control, leading by five points with just a minute left in overtime. However, Thomas Bryant hit a three-pointer, shifting the momentum back to Indiana. Anthony Edwards scored 29 of his 38 points after halftime for Minnesota, which fell short as Toppin and T.J. McConnell combined for a strong finish.

“Obi Toppin had one of the most spectacular runs at the end of the game I’ve ever seen,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle after the game. McConnell added 11 points and 13 assists, including the game-tying layup with 4.6 seconds left in regulation, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the Pacers’ bench.

The Pacers entered the game anxious to bounce back from a recent 126-119 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 37-29 record, Indiana was eager to secure a win to stay competitive amidst rising tension from teams below them, including the Detroit Pistons.

The Timberwolves, sitting at 40-29 and seventh in the conference, were heavily favored by 7.5 points due to their recent winning streak. However, their performance against the depleted Pacers highlighted the challenges of maintaining momentum when key players are absent. Edwards struggled with his shooting, going just 1-for-11 from three-point range.

This game could haunt the Timberwolves as the playoff race tightens in the Western Conference. Their next match is against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, and they will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping in the standings.

“This was a game that might haunt the Timberwolves in the crowded Western Conference playoff race,” said an analyst after the game, emphasizing the significance of every matchup as the season approaches its conclusion. Meanwhile, Indiana will host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, looking to build on their hard-fought victory against Minnesota.