Takeaways from Timberwolves' preseason thumping of the Clippers: Doing what you're supposed to, Reid's strong play, Beasley's struggles

Oct. 12—There was no Paul George, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Serge Ibaka and, of course, no Kawhi Leonard (who will miss at least a large chunk of the season with a knee injury) for the Clippers in Monday's preseason contest in California.

So yes, the recent Western Conference contender was short-handed.

But that hasn't meant much to Minnesota in the past. Inferior opponents were often invited to stay in close contact late into games, often leading to disappointing defeats for the Timberwolves.

And, surely, this is preseason, but the Timberwolves have reversed that trend during this exhibition slate. They clearly had the superior team against both New Orleans and Los Angeles, and both times delivered victories that were largely convincing.

Minnesota dispatched the Clippers 128-100 on Monday at Staples Center to move to 3-0 this preseason. The Wolves will play their final exhibition Thursday in Brooklyn.

"I think it's really important just winning these games early," Jaden McDaniels said. "I take them as regular season games, just continuing to play who we're playing and just lead to the regular season."

Here are the takeaways from preseason Game No. 3:

Russell Erupts: D'Angelo Russell has been on both ends of the spectrum thus far in the preseason. When he's really good — as he was against New Orleans and again Monday — Minnesota is significantly better for it.

Russell, who's made a point to be aggressive early in games, tallied 19 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in 23 minutes Monday. He pushed the pace and set the tone for the Timberwolves, after he failed to do all of those things in Denver.

Finch said the Wolves kept Russell's playing stints short so that he could continue to play at a high tempo.

"We've talked to him about just consistency. Having that approach every single night," Finch said. "So far he's done that. He's done a good job at both ends of the floor really, too."

Edwards gets going: After a couple games in which Anthony Edwards shined on the defensive end and with his playmaking, he was finally a bit more aggressive offensively in Los Angeles.

It's possible he was too aggressive early, to the point of trying to do too much. But the second-year standout eventually settled in, finishing with 17 points.

Improving Edwards' usage, Finch noted, was a priority for Minnesota.

Reid rises: Naz Reid came into training camp weighing less than 240 pounds. He's as nimble as ever, and looks the part.

But it was his passing that stood out Monday. That's always been a part of his game, but was on full display with his five-assist performance in 20 minutes. Reid also went 6 for 10 from the field for 13 points.

"He's playing with a lot of confidence. I told him (Sunday) he's playing really well," Finch said. "Doing all the little things well for us. Not forcing anything. Game is coming easy to him right now."

Beasley's struggles continue: Malik Beasley is one player who hasn't hit his stride for Minnesota. The guard is coming off an offseason in which he served jail time. After completing his sentence, the Wolves told him to take some time off before ramping up his workouts.

Beasley still doesn't appear to be all the way back in terms of his conditioning, and also hasn't found a rhythm.

On Monday, Beasley got the start and played 23 minutes, but only produced two points and three assists while turning the ball over twice.

Briefly

Also on Monday — Indigenous Peoples' Day — the Timberwolves and Lynx unveiled a newly refurbished outdoor community court for the Prairie Island Indian Community in Welch.

Lynx guard Rachel Banham and former Timberwolves' guard Troy Hudson were on hand for the unveiling, which also included a basketball clinic.

The event was held in partnership with Treasure Island.