A sprained big left toe sidelined Clippers guard Mo Williams for 11 games, and it didn't seem like the team missed him.
With Williams out, the Clippers reeled off nine wins, keeping pace in the Pacific Division and in the race for home-court advantage. But with Williams back on the court Thursday night in Minnesota, the Clippers looked as strong as ever.
"The team was in a great rhythm so I was a little concerned because I didn't want to mess up the rhythm," Williams said. "The team was playing well so I just stepped right in and did whatever I could."
In a 13-point win over the Timberwolves on Thursday, Williams shot over 50 percent from the field in 20 minutes off the bench, scoring 14 points.
"Mo knows how to play. He's a veteran guy, and (he knows how) to score the ball," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He's a threat out there, which opens up stuff inside for us."
NOTES, QUOTES
Clippers finally beat Wolves (kind of)
--Despite the Clippers picking up a win over the Timberwolves on Thursday, the rivalry might just be getting started.
In four meetings this season, the Timberwolves won three times, including two games that were tight until the final horn.
"We're playing for something," Clippers guard Mo Williams said. "We knew that coming in. This team has beaten us three times; we had a lot of motivation coming into this. We felt like this was a must-win."
Thursday's win, though, comes with an asterisk as Minnesota was missing a slew of regulars, including star forward Kevin Love.
"I mean, let's be real," Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Kevin's obviously a huge part of the team."
--The Clippers continued to play better in critical late-season games. After beating Minnesota on Thursday, the Clippers have won consecutive road games for the first time since Feb. 10 and 11.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I know my role in this team. It's to make plays." --Clippers guard Mo Williams on returning to the lineup after missing 11 games with a toe injury.
ROSTER REPORT
PLAYER NOTES:
--F Blake Griffin had another double-double Thursday night, with 19 points and 13 rebounds to go with five assists in the Clippers' win over the Timberwolves.
--G Chris Paul was just 3 for 8 from the field against the Timberwolves after scoring 31 points against the Thunder on Wednesday. Paul scored eight points and dished out eight assists Thursday.
--F Kenyon Martin was a perfect 4 for 4 from the field in 25 minutes off the bench. Martin had seven rebounds, two steals and a block to go along with his eight points.
--G Mo Williams returned from a toe injury to play 20 minutes off the bench. Williams shot 6 of 11 and scored 14 points.
