Kelly paces Lakers over Timberwolves

Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Ryan Kelly had 21 points and seven assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-98 on Friday night.

Tarik Black posted a career-high 18 points and 10 rebounds, Jabari Brown tallied 20 points and seven assists and Jordan Clarkson added 18 points, nine helpers, six boards and four steals for the Lakers, who snapped a five-game losing streak.

"We made it pretty clear to our guys that there is still something to play for Not the playoffs or anything like that, but just pride and just being a professional and a competitor. That's the bottom line," Lakers coach Byron Scott said.

Andrew Wiggins finished with 29 points, 10 boards and six assists for Minnesota, which has dropped nine consecutive contests.

"Andrew played actively and went to the boards a lot," Wolves coach Flip Saunders said.

The Lakers created some distance in the opening frame with a 13-2 run. Clarkson netted six points during the surge, which was capped on a Robert Sacre hook shot for a 28-14 advantage at the 1:22 mark of the period.

Zach LaVine's fadeaway jumper at the horn pulled the Wolves within 30-21 following a quarter of play. Minnesota, though, battled back in the second to tie the game 43-43 with 4:41 left in the second, but the Lakers led 52-47 at the break.

Clarkson finished off a 20-7 swing with a dunk to extend LA's margin to 72-54. They were up 80-71 after three and were never threatened in the fourth.

Game Notes

Wesley Johnson had 10 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles ... The Lakers held a 46-39 rebounding and 52-40 points in the paint advantage ... Wiggins was 15-of-16 from the foul line.