Short takes

• On the eve of Friday's Inauguration, Clippers coach Doc Rivers reminisced about President Barack Obama's eight years in office, calling his "grace and humility" a model for players in his locker room.

He noted how Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, LeBron James and others established friendships with the nation's first black president.

"I appreciate how much he loved our game," Rivers said. "He loved sports in general, but he really likes basketball. He has befriended Chris and Curry and LeBron and all these guys. They had a chance to spend time with him. To spend time with a guy like that, who is who he is, has really helped our league in a big way.''

• Young Wolves star Karl-Anthony Towns used a TNT Thursday night stage to make his case for an All-Star Game invitation with his 37-point, 12-rebound, five-assist performance in Thursday's 104-101 victory over the Clippers in L.A.

"The question of the day is, will [Towns] make the All-Star team," TNT analyst Chris Webber said during the broadcast. "I say yes. He wasn't on my reserves, but I still think he's making it. He's an excellent young talent. Great poise, great touch for a big man."

• Rivers praised the Wolves' three young stars before they beat his injury-depleted Clippers Thursday, particularly third-year guard Zach LaVine. "LaVine is the guy who has improved the most," Rivers said. "I'm a big fan just because of the way he plays. You watch him before the game: His workouts, he's really serious about basketball. When you're that talented and you're serious, usually good things happen."