Timberwolves Wrap: Magic edge Wolves in OT

The Timberwolves were unable to stay hot on road as they were topped by the Orlando Magic in overtime on Wednesday night. The final score ended up being 104-101 despite the Wolves holding a 14-point lead late in the first half.

The Wolves were able to jump out to an early lead in the first quarter. Throughout most of the frame, the Magic were able to get some second chances on offensive rebounds, but were unable to convert on any. Behind Karl-Anthony Towns‘ five points and six rebounds the Wolves were in front 25-17 as the first quarter ended.

Orlando’s poor shooting continued as the second quarter came, and at halftime they were shooting just a measly 32 percent. However, the Wolves second unit was unable to produce enough offense to stretch the lead out further. Zach LaVine got hot to end the half and the Wolves were up 52-38 at the break. Towns lead the way on offense with 13 points.

The third quarter saw the Magic find their footing a little bit on the offensive end, and they were able to gain a little momentum. The Wolves were able to hold the Magic mini-run off for the moment. Most of that had to do with some excellent pick-and-rolls involving Towns and Ricky Rubio.

The Magic then went on a 15-0 run to take the lead back as the third quarter was winding down. The Wolves were able to weather the storm, however, and going into the fourth quarter they managed to regain their lead at 76-71.

Minnesota’s second unit defense was able to stand tall throughout the fourth quarter. They were able to get timely stops while the starters rested. As the starter’s came in the game went back and forth between both teams.

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The Magic were then able to get and keep the lead, until Andrew Wiggins tied the game with two seconds to play. A timely Towns block on Tobias Harris sent the game into overtime.

Overtime went back and forth, but in the end the Magic were able to come out on top with Evan Fournier hitting a three with three seconds remaining. After a Timberwolves timeout, Zach LaVine mishandled the inbound pass and missed badly on a deep, desperation three-pointer.

The Wolves defense throughout the game was actually pretty good, despite the loss. The Magic did not shoot the ball particularly well all night, and the Wolves defense had something to do with that.

The sloppiness of play in the second half is what led to the Wolves downfall. They finished the game with 14 turnovers, 10 of them in the second half. The Magic were able to gain momentum off those turnovers, and it allowed them back into the game.

All in all, despite the Wolves’ sloppy play, they did play fairly well throughout the whole game. The offense was a little stagnant down the stretch and in OT, but so was the Magic’s offense. Both teams showed some great glimpses and some not so great glimpses, but the game was a fun one nonetheless.

Tweet of the Night

Clip of the Night

Star of the Night

Evan Fournier- 26 points (9-17 FG, 5-7 3P, 3-4 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 assists, 3 turnovers

If we are being totally honest, Fournier deserves this star of the night.

Yes, I had Karl-Anthony Towns here, but I switched it because Evan ‘Don’t Google’ Fournier deserves it. I’m not saying Towns played bad, but Fournier tore the Wolves up all night. Without him the Magic do not come back, and they don’t win the game considering he hit the game-winner.

Other Notable Lines

• Andrew Wiggins – 28 points (8-17 FG, 0-1 3P, 12-14 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, one assist, 2 turnovers
• Karl-Anthony Towns – 21 points (8-12 FG, 0-1 3P, 5-6 FT), 12 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 turnovers
• Ricky Rubio – 8 points (3-11 FG, 0-1 3P, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, 12 assists, one steal, 3 turnovers
• Zach LaVine – 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-5 3P), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
• Elfrid Payton – 24 points (11-23 FG, 2-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, one turnover

Up Next

The Wolves will enjoy a day off tomorrow as they travel back to Minnesota to take on Detroit on Friday. The Pistons are coming off a big home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Next: Pump the Brakes, Wolves Fans

The Wolves will most certainly have their hands full with Andre Drummond, who is running rampant over the league so far this season, but it should be a fun contest.