Porzingis's career high 41 points guides Wizards to victory over Wolves

The Washington Wizards defeated Minnesota 142-127 on Monday night after Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony-Towns was taken off the court in the third quarter with a right leg injury. Kristaps Porzingis scored a career-high 41 points, including 29 in the first half for the Wizards.

In the first half, Porzingis made all six of his three-pointers. For the entire game, Washington shot 57% from the field. At the half, the Wizards led 77-58, and Porzingis was on pace to top his previous career best of 40 points.

Kyle Kuzma scored 23 points and Bradley Beal contributed 22 for the Wizards.

For Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards was their top player on the score chart with 29 points.

Porzingis made his first four attempts, all of which were 3-pointers, and Washington took an early 21-6 lead. After one quarter, the score was five points apiece, but the Wizards took control in the second. It was 68-44 after a 3-pointer by Porzingis capped a 12-0 run, and Washington went on to win 73-46 after his last 3-pointer.

Minnesota scored the opening 10 points of the third quarter before finishing the half on a 12-4 rally, but the Timberwolves never got any closer. As soon as Kuzma scored a 3-pointer to make it 93-76, Towns departed the game.

Karl-Anthony-Towns needed assistance leaving the court in the third quarter due to a right leg injury. Towns grabbed his leg and collapsed close to midcourt. He was assisted off without bearing any weight, and the medical staff diagnosed him with a right calf strain.

The Wizards were 15 of 31 from beyond the arc compared to Minnesota's 7 of 27.

Timberwolves host Memphis on Wednesday night.

Wizards away at Brooklyn on Wednesday night.