Minnesota Timberwolves defeated LA Lakers then fired Tom Thibodeau
Monday 7 January 2019 09:56, UK
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the LA Lakers then fired their coach Tom Thibodeau shortly after.
A 108-86 win, the Timberwolves' fourth-largest margin of victory this season, wasn't enough to keep Thibodeau in his job.
"We would like to thank Tom for his efforts and wish him all the best," Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said in a statement released by the team. "These decisions are never easy to make, but we felt them necessary to move our organisation forward."
Ryan Saunders, Thibodeau's assistant and the son of the Timberwolves' best-ever coach Flip Saunders, was named interim coach for the rest of the season. Scott Layden remains as general manager. Thibodeau's exit is the 10th time that the Timberwolves have changed coach in 14 years. He finishes with a 97-107 record.
This season had begun disastrously for Thibodeau after the trade of All-Star Jimmy Butler but ended for him with a high-profile win over the Lakers, who were still missing the injured LeBron James.
Full overnight results and highlights here.
Andrew Wiggins scored 25 of his 28 points in the first half, Karl-Anthony Towns totalled 28 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks and Jeff Teague scored 15 points and finished with 11 assists for the Timberwolves.
The Lakers are 1-5 since James was injured, and were also missing Rajan Rondo, leading to their biggest defeat in 20 games.
After the Timberwolves went 13-1 up, their lead stayed in double digits for the remainder of a comfortable game.
