Welcome to the longest losing streak this season for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they've now dropped their fourth straight game! The Timberwolves dropped this one 89-102 in Orlando, as all five of the Magic starters (Nelson, J. Richardson, Turkoglu, Anderson, Howard) scored in double digits as did reserve J.J. Redick. The Wolves also had five players in double figures (starters: Love, Pekovic, Rubio; reserves: Beasley & Barea). This is the Magic's seventh straight victory and their ninth win in eleven games over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves cut back (slightly) on turnovers, with JUST 18 tonight. Far too many, but at least it was 23 (like vs. NYK) or 28 (like vs. DAL) their last two games. They did allow 17 points off those turnovers. The Timberwolves were down 20 points at one point in the game, but were able to cut the lead to single-digits in the fourth quarter on a run sparked by Beasley & Barea. The Magic quickly responded and closed out the Wolves for their 18th win of the season. The Timberwolves moved to 13-16 on the season, the Wolves move to 6-6 on the road (still .500 someone, I suppose). The Timberwolves will next host the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday--hoping to break this losing streak. The Timberwolves are now 3-9 against Eastern Conference teams, compared to 10-7 vs. Western Conference teams this season. The Timberwolves were without starter Luke Ridnour who was away from the team for 'personal reasons'. In his place Martell Webster got the start. Webster finished with just 5pts, 4rebs, 2tos, 2fls, shot 1-for-4 from the field and hit 3-of-4 from the line in 23 minutes. It was also Darko's first game back after missing 8 of the Wolves' last 10 games. He played just 4 minutes and had 1blk & 3fls off the bench. Malcolm Lee is done with his stint in the D-League and is expected to join the team when they return home--could, potentially make his debut Wednesday vs. the Bobcats. Let's take a look at some of tonight's key players from tonight's game...
The Timberwolves got good play from their starting big men. Love & Pekovic combined for 35pts, 28rebs and shot 47%. The rest of the team finished with 54pts, 15rebs and shot 38%! Pek played physical defense against the best center in the NBA. Pek had just 1 foul in 33 minutes! While the Wolves forced Dwight Howard into 5 fouls of his own, which allowed him to play just 28 minutes. Howard finished with just 11pts, 7rebs, 2ast, 1stl, 1to, he also shot just 4-of-11 from the field! Ricky Rubio had an okay game, though his 5 turnovers were 5 too many. Rubio & Barea combined for 22pts, 9ast & 12tos.
For the Magic it was a balance attack. Despite their best player struggling to stay out of foul trouble and thus on the floor and struggling to hit very close-range shots, Orlando got big performances from guys like J-Rich, Nelson & J.J. during key quarters. J-Rich had 13 of his 17 points in the third quarter and didn't play the entire final quarter! Nelson had 8 of his 14pts and J.J. had 7 of his 14pts--both in the fourth quarter as the Magic put away the TWolves. That's all for now. Thanks for reading HOWL and GO WOLVES!
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Cody D. AndersonA Wolves fan bringing you Gameday Recaps all season long! 2014-15 Game ArchivesGameday Archives
December 2015
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