Anthony Davis scores 38, fuels Lakers late after twisting ankle

MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Davis hobbled through a turned ankle and the Los Angeles Lakers continued their march toward a postseason return with a 123-111 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

«He kicked our ass in every way possible,» Wolves coach Chris Finch said after Davis scored 17 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to their fifth win in their last six games to go above .500 for the first time all season.

Davis twisted his left ankle when he stepped backwards onto Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel's foot midway through the third quarter.

The Lakers big man fell to the floor as play continued down the other end and Davis had to be helped to the bench during an ensuing timeout, with L.A. trailing 76-70.

Davis didn't end up missing a single possession. He checked back into the game after the stop in action and contributed to a 24-2 run by the Lakers that put them into the driver's seat heading into the fourth quarter.

«I knew I was going to play,» Davis said after the game. «Tied the shoes up tighter and just kind off played off adrenaline until the end of the game and was able to get some treatment. But I'll be fine.»

Davis said he would be in the lineup Sunday when the Lakers continue their road trip against the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers have nicknamed their road jaunt a «get back» trip, as they attempt to reel off four straight wins against four teams — Chicago, Minnesota, Houston and Utah — that beat them earlier in the season.

Davis has scored 38 points in each of the first two wins. On Friday he shot 15-for-26 from the field and 8-for-10 from the foul line with 17 rebounds and two blocks.

«We jumped on AD's back and he brought us home,» said LeBron James, who had 18 points, 10