The Minnesota Timberwolves won their second consecutive game after an opponent missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer, this time holding on to beat the Miami Heat.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will finish shy of 40 wins this season, but they’re evidently trying to get as close as they possibly can.
Just 48 hours after hanging on to beat the Dallas Mavericks by two points, the Wolves did the same against the Miami Heat in Dwyane Wade‘s final visit to Target Center.
Wade had 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting but missed an open 3-point attempt at the buzzer that would have won the game. Josh Okogie and Tyus Jones forced Wade into a pair of pump-fakes that disrupted his rhythm, and that was ultimately enough to get the job done.
The first half largely belonged to the Heat, and while they never opened up a significant lead, they were on top by multiple points a few times prior to halftime and took an eight-point lead into the break. Gorgui Dieng was outstanding after Karl-Anthony Towns got into foul trouble once again, putting up 15 points by halftime and ultimately finishing with a season-high 19 points.
Minnesota had a great third quarter and only trailed by one heading to the final frame, largely due to efficient offense and crisp passing.
It was one of the better all-around offensive performances in a while from the Wolves, as Towns and Dario Saric put on a big man passing clinic and Jones had a fantastic game running the point.
As the fourth quarter wore on, the Wolves clung to a one or two possession lead down the stretch. A missed free throw from Keita Bates-Diop left the door open for the Heat to tie or win on a 3-pointer. But Wade missed and the Wolves held on for the victory.
The rest of the players
Keita Bates-Diop contributed nine points, five rebounds, and one assist. He shot 4-of-9 from the field and had a few nice plays on both ends of the floor as he the rookie continues to suggest that he could be a valuable rotation player moving forward.
Cameron Reynolds played 13 minutes and knocked down one 3-pointer in two attempts.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves will stay at home for the Sunday matinee game on ABC as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder at 2:30 p.m.