“Excited to play them, get our revenge” – Lakers star FIRES WARNING to Timberwolves ahead of play-in battle
Malik Beasley, who was traded from the Timberwolves to the Lakers in March, said he is eager to face his former team and show them what they gave up.
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Malik Beasley (Via NBA,com)
The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot on the line when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in tournament on Wednesday night. But for one Lakers player, this game is more than just a playoff berth. It’s a personal vendetta and he is Malik Beasley.
The play-in game will be a high-stakes affair for both teams, as the winner will advance to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs, while the loser will face either the Warriors or the Grizzlies in a do-or-die game for the eighth seed.
Malik Beasley, who was traded from the Timberwolves to the Lakers in March along with D’Angelo Russell, said he is eager to play against his former team and show them what they gave up.
“I‘m excited to play them, get our revenge back — me, Vando, and DLo,” Beasley said after scoring 11 points in the Lakers’ win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday. “We’re going to go out there and compete and have fun.”
Beasley was having a breakout season with the Timberwolves before the trade, averaging 19.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He also faced some off-court troubles, including a 12-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy and a legal case involving a rifle incident at his home.
Beasley said he has no ill will towards the Timberwolves organization or the fans, but he feels like he was not valued or respected by them. “I love Minnesota, I love the fans, I love everything about it,” Beasley said. “But at the same time, I feel like they didn’t give me an opportunity to show what I can do. They kind of just threw me away like I was nothing. So I’m going to go out there and show them what they’re missing.“
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How will Malik Beasley impact the game against the Timberwolves?
Beasley has been a key contributor for the Lakers since joining them, providing scoring punch and shooting off the bench. He has averaged 12.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 25 games with the Lakers, shooting 40.7 percent from three-point range. He has also developed a strong bond with D’Angelo Russell.
Beasley said he is ready to do whatever it takes to help the Lakers secure a playoff spot and make some noise in the postseason.
“I’m just going to do whatever it takes to win,” Beasley said. “I’m going to play hard, play defense, make shots, make plays for my teammates. I’m just going to be myself and have fun.“
The Lakers and the Timberwolves have split their two previous meetings this season, with each team winning on the road. The Lakers won 112-104 in Minneapolis on Dec. 27, while the Timberwolves won 109-101 in Los Angeles on Feb. 16.
The Lakers will need Beasley’s energy and scoring ability against the Timberwolves, who have been playing well lately under new coach Chris Finch. The Timberwolves have won seven of their last 12 games, including a stunning upset over the Jazz on Saturday. They are led by Karl-Anthony Towns, who is averaging 20.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, and Edwards, who is averaging 19 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in his rookie season.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)