The Minnesota Timberwolves had a chance for redemption just 48 hours after losing a heart-breaker in Utah, but instead fell to the Jazz once again.
The Minnesota Timberwolves followed a disappointing yet character-building loss in Salt Lake City on Friday night with a disappointing defensive effort in their second loss to the Jazz in three days.
While the Wolves had a great offensive night, scoring almost at will and knocking down 17 3-pointers while shooting 47.2 percent from beyond the arc as a team, their defense was beyond miserable.
No single Jazz player dominated the Wolves — sure, Donovan Mitchell had 29 points but it took him 22 shots to do it — but were able to get off 39 3-point attempts as a team, making 15 of them. Jae Crowder was 5-for-10 from beyond the arc and was seemingly omnipresent whenever the Jazz needed a made bucket in a key moment.
The Wolves’ defensive rotations were far from crisp, and while their work on the boards was solid, they were simply unable to keep the Jazz from answering any push Minnesota was able to make on offense.
Let’s get into the player grades from the game.
The rest of the players
Gorgui Dieng returned to regular playing time after leaving Friday’s game with a hip contusion, but only played 12 minutes. He did knock down a pair of corner 3-pointers and grabbed three rebounds in his stints, however.
Jared Terrell was the backup point guard once again, logging 13 minutes and putting up two points, two assists, and a steal without committing any turnovers.
What’s Next?
The Wolves will enjoy two consecutive days off at home before hosting the reeling Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at Target Center. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.