Player grades from Minnesota Timberwolves’ win over the Bulls
By Ben Beecken
The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their hot shooting and used a huge second half to beat the Chicago Bulls for their second win in 24 hours.
Final. 108. 24. 115. 86
The Minnesota Timberwolves have won consecutive games for the first time since the first week of January.
After beating the New Orleans Pelicans on the road in an offensive explosion on Tuesday night, the Wolves used a second-half surge to vault past the Chicago Bulls at Target Center for their second win in as many days.
While the Wolves are without Karl-Anthony Towns, the Bulls are extremely shorthanded, with no Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and Chandler Hutchison. Lauri Markkanen was playing in his first game in several weeks and Otto Porter, Jr. was only appearing in his second game since a nearly four-month absence.
After the Dallas Mavericks destroyed the Wolves on Sunday afternoon, they traveled south to Chicago and lost to these same Bulls. But even though the Bulls were coming off of that win and had an off-day on Tuesday, the Wolves, who played last night in New Orleans, were the more energetic team.
Chicago pulled out to a seven-point lead after the first quarter as the Wolves got off to an extremely slow start offensively. But things started to click in the second quarter with the bench unit in the game, and Minnesota was within three points at halftime.
The second half was all Wolves as 3-pointers began to rain down on Jim Boylen’s Bulls. The home team won the third quarter by a 33-21 margin. Only rookie Coby White could score consistently for Chicago, and the Wolves forced him into a series of tough mid-range jumpers and floaters.
Minnesota opened up a 14-point lead with only three minutes to play, but a 9-0 run by the Bulls in under a minute made it a five-point game. There shades of the collapse to the Sacramento Kings, although the presence of D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley was somehow more calming than Shabazz Napier and Andrew Wiggins.
The Wolves were led once again by Beasley, Russell, and Jordan McLaughlin, with contributions across the board from everyone who saw the floor. Now, Ryan Saunders’ crew will have more chances to build on their momentum, with upcoming home games against Orlando and New Orleans.
Player Grades
D’Angelo Russell had a weird game. He once again struggled with careless turnovers, finishing with six turnovers to only four assists. But he had 19 points on 13 shots and was a team-best +23 compared to backup Jordan McLaughlin’s team-worst -11. Russell and McLaughlin have seemed to almost alternate lopsided plus-minus marks of late, but they’ve largely played well when on the floor together.. Guard. Minnesota Timberwolves. D'ANGELO RUSSELL. B+
A. Malik Beasley was great once again, leading the team with 24 points (8-14 FG, 4-8 3P, 4-4 FT) and pitching in three rebounds and two assists. He did plenty of damage in the paint and continues to show multiple facets of his game. If this version of Beasley is the Wolves’ third option once Towns is back … look out.. Wing. Minnesota Timberwolves. MALIK BEASLEY
<a rel=. Forward. Minnesota Timberwolves. JUANCHO HERNANGOMEZ. B+
B. <a rel=. Wing. Minnesota Timberwolves. JOSH OKOGIE
A. <a rel=. Center. Minnesota Timberwolves. NAZ REID
Forward. Minnesota Timberwolves. JAMES JOHNSON. A. <a rel=
A. Jarrett Culver is back on a heater, playing his third consecutive impressive game. He put up 13 points (5-11 FG, 3-6 3P) and five rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench, demonstrating his improved feel for the game and building confidence on both ends of the floor.. Guard. Minnesota Timberwolves. JARRETT CULVER
Guard. Minnesota Timberwolves. JORDAN MCLAUGHLIN. B+. Jordan McLaughlin was really good once again. Despite his negative plus-minus, he had 10 points (5-10 FG, 0-2 3P, 0-2 FT), seven assists, a rebound and a steal with three assists in 27 minutes. He continues to get to the rim almost at will and provide enough defensive effort to be able to stay on the floor alongside Russell.
Other Players
Jake Layman played 14 minutes again and had two points and two rebounds. His basket came on when he slipped a screen and D-Lo hit him with a beautiful pass in the paint. Layman threw down a nasty dunk and showed everyone what he’s capable of as a cutter.
Kelan Martin played only nine minutes but was extremely active, finishing with six points, three rebounds and an assist. He made an open 3-pointer and made three of his four free throw attempts.
dark. Next. Is D'Angelo Russell a bad defender?
Up Next
The Wolves finally get to spend a few consecutive days at home, taking on the Orlando Magic on Friday night at 7 p.m. CT before hosting the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday for another home matinee.