Timberwolves Wrap: Wolves hold on to beat Knicks in overtime

Thursday night’s Timberwolves vs. Knicks battle was likely one of the best worst games ever.

The game went to overtime and the two teams still managed to hang tallies comfortably lower than 100 points with the final score landing at 95-92. There weren’t a ton of turnovers but shot-making was in short supply, and at times that’s almost an uglier brand of basketball than bunches of errant passes and steals.

No single player was outstanding in this game, and the best performers were merely less bad than those around them. Kevin Martin scored 22 points but was just 8 of 26 (30.7%) from the field and turned the ball over four times. Andrew Wiggins managed to reach 20 points but was even worse from the field, shooting 4 of 17 (23.5%) but making his first 10 free throws of the game before finishing 12 of 14 from the charity stripe.

Gorgui Dieng was great, shooting 9 of 10 from the field and tallying 19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 2 steals in a game-high 48 minutes.

Zach LaVine was as efficient as he has been in his rookie season, doing a good job getting to the basket and while he struggled mightily on defense once again, he shot 7 of 13 from the field and put up 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in 37 minutes.

One interesting note: new acquisition Sean Kilpatrick apparently was at shootaround in Delaware with the D-League’s 87ers this morning when he was called by the Wolves. He then took a train in his D-League warmups and arrived in New York less than an hour before tip-off, according to the Knicks’ television broadcast. He played 10 minutes and missed his only shot attempt while grabbing one rebound and turning the ball over once.

The Wolves could have easily let the game slip away late and regulation and in overtime and while it wasn’t pretty, give them credit for finishing the game strong and hanging on for a road win.

Star of the Game

Gorgui Dieng – 19 points (9-10 FG, 1-4 FT), 11 rebounds, 6 blocks, 2 assists, one steal, 2 turnovers

Dieng did not miss a shot in the first half and was impressive offensively, mixing in put-backs, wing bank shots and jumpers from the top of the key. His help defense was fantastic as he tallied six blocks. But he continues to struggle mightily when big men take the ball straight at him. Anytime an NBA center is taken to the basket for an easy lay-in by Lou Amundson, he needs to look himself in the mirror.

Tweet of the Night

Gotta give @ZachLaVine credit, after his TO led to NY going up 3, he scored 6 of #twolves final 9 points including 4/4 at FT line.
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) March 20, 2015

Clip of the Night

(h/t @streethistory)

Stat of the Night

Long-range sadness is a recurring theme in Wolves games, but this time both squads were serious offenders.

The Wolves and Knicks combined to shoot 6 of 32 from three-point land. Yep, that’s roughly 18.8%. It’s also not good.

Notable Lines

Andrew Wiggins: 20 points (4-17 FG, 12-14 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, one assist, 3 turnovers
Zach LaVine: 20 points (7-13 FG, 1-3 3P, 5-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, one steal, one block, 4 turnovers
Kevin Martin: 22 points (8-26 FG, 1-2 3P, 5-5 FT), 2 rebounds, 4 turnovers

Who’s Got Next?

After playing four games in five nights, the Wolves will mercifully get a couple of nights off before hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m.

Given the time off and the fact that it’s a home game, it seems plausible that Ricky Rubio and Kevin Garnett could both be available. In the meantime, we’ll have some content for you through the weekend here at DWW. Enjoy the NCAA Tournament!

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