LAS VEGAS — Rookie guard Keaton Wagler had arguably his best game so far in the Clippers’ Summer League finale on Friday night, pouring in 26 points as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 128-120 in overtime.
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Wagler, the No. 5 overall pick in last month’s NBA draft, added four rebounds and two assists while shooting 9 for 19 from the field (2 for 7 from 3-point range). The 6-foot-6 guard who led Illinois to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four regrouped after a shaky Summer League debut – seven points on 1-for-7 shooting – by scoring at least 15 points in each of his last three games (the team held him out of one game for rest).
Sean Pedulla finished with 24 points (nine in overtime) on 8-of-15 shooting (5 for 9 from 3-point range) to go with 11 assists, five rebounds and six steals for the Clippers (3-2). Rookie Nick Martinelli added 18 points and six rebounds while shooting 7 for 8 from the field, and Baba Miller added 15 points, four rebounds and six assists.
The Clippers shot 55% as a team, including 13 for 32 (41%) from behind the arc. They outscored Minnesota 38-23 in the second quarter and led by 27 points late in the third quarter, but the Timberwolves roared all the way back to force OT by outscoring the Clippers 41-23 in the fourth.
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The Clippers then regrouped and outscored the Timberwolves 13-5 in the two-minute overtime period, setting what NBA.com said was a Summer League record with their 128 total points.
The Clippers had a 41-31 advantage on the boards and outscored Minnesota 56-36 in the paint.
Jaylin Williams (21 points, 8-of-10 shooting) and former UC Riverside guard Zyon Pullin (18 points, eight assists) paced the Timberwolves (2-3). Rocco Zikarsky added 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots, while Isaiah Evans finished with 14 points.
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