Timberwolves Wrap: Wolves fall apart late to Cavs

The Timberwolves played well early and after a mid-game swoon, stormed back to make the game competitive before falling apart down the stretch and losing to the Cavaliers.

The Timberwolves had to play the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in 13 days on Tuesday night. After being blown out on the road last time the two teams faced off, Minnesota welcomed the Cavs to Target Center this time around.

Kevin Love missed both games due to injury, and the combination of Zach LaVine‘s absence on the Wolves’ side and the presence of newcomer Derrick Williams for Cleveland were the biggest lineup differences.

The Wolves actually led by a 30-26 margin after the first quarter, but Minnesota’s bench struggled mightily and the Cavs put up an astonishing 43 points in the second frame. At the half, Cleveland led by a score of 69-61 after a late push. LeBron James was outstanding, and Andrew Wiggins finished he first half with 17 points of his own.

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The third quarter started off slowly for the Timberwolves as the home team found themselves down by 13 points in short order. But an unexpected push got the Wolves to within striking distance. A steal by Ricky Rubio led to an impressive assist to Wiggins at the buzzer as he knocked down a long two that tied the game heading to the final frame.

But the fourth quarter was winning time for LeBron James and Co., and the Wolves simply couldn’t up down the stretch. Wiggins made some tough shots but eventually saw his efficiency tank. Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t get many foul calls in the paint and, true to form, the Timberwolves couldn’t get stops on defense.

Channing Frye managed a relatively quiet double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Kyrie Irving was forced to work for his 25 points, shooting just 10-of-27 from the field.

Star of the Game

LeBron James: 25 points (10-14 FG, 2-3 3P, 3-6 FT), 14 assists, 8 rebounds, 6 turnovers

James threatened a triple-double and was ultra-efficient from the floor. He did have six turnovers in 40 minutes, but got where he wanted whenever he wanted to late in the game. There was one memorable sequence in which he stone-walled Towns in the post and forced a jump ball.

Notable Timberwolves Lines

• Andrew Wiggins: 41 points (16-29 FG, 4-8 3P, 5-6 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, one steal, zero turnovers
• Karl-Anthony Towns: 26 points (11-19 FG, 1-4 3P, 3-3 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, one block, 2 turnovers
• Gorgui Dieng: 12 points (4-9 FG, 1-2 3P, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist
• Ricky Rubio: 5 points (2-8 FG, 0-2 3P, 1-2 FT), 16 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 turnovers

Wiggins was great until a series of missed jumpers down the stretch. Towns was okay but had a surprisingly tough time drawing fouls and grabbing rebounds against a thin and relatively diminutive opposing frontline.

Dieng was his typical solid self, and Rubio struggled with his shot but contributed in every other category.

Who’s Up Next?

The Timberwolves have to turn around and face the Denver Nuggets in the Mile High City on Wednesday night. Denver, of course, is the team currently holding the eighth spot in the Western Conference that the Wolves are chasing.