Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from Wolves win over Trail Blazers

The Minnesota Timberwolves are now 3-0 after Jimmy Butler was traded to Philadelphia after a convincing 112-96 victory on Friday night at Target Center.

Saying that this team is enjoying an extended breath of fresh air is probably an understatement.

The Minnesota Timberwolves won their third consecutive game — all at home — since Jimmy Butler was shipped off to the Philadelphia 76ers, and their second consecutive since newcomers Robert Covington and Dario Saric joined the lineup.

Oh, and Friday night was the on-court debut of the Prince-inspired “Purple Reign” City edition jerseys. They looked awesome, and it was enough to even convince the Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett himself to attend what was ultimately a fun victory for the home team.

The Wolves nearly led wire-to-wire, building an eight-point lead after the  first quarter, 12 points at halftime, and 16 points heading to the final frame.

The Trail Blazers came into the game with a 10-4 record but had only played five road games on the season. Friday night’s game was their second on a six-game road trip, and they struggled to find any kind of rhythm.

It took Damian Lillard 16 shots to get to 15 points. The superstar point guard had only four points at halftime and outside of a quick flurry to start the third quarter and get the Blazers’ deficit down to single digits, he was extremely quiet.

Jeff Teague was active defensively, forcing Lillard to work to get open and even taking a charge from Lillard in the open floor while the Wolves were in the midst of a second-half run.

The Wolves forced Portland to shoot just 8-for-29 (27.6 percent) from 3-point range while hitting on 12-of-28 (42.9 percent) themselves. Also impressive was the Wolves’ 28 assists on 46 made baskets.

Minnesota will stay at home and play a rare matinee on Sunday against the surprising Memphis Grizzlies, who won again on Friday and will carry a 9-5 record into Target Center.

Let’s take a look at three main takeaways from the Wolves win over the Blazers.