The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Sacramento Kings for the second time this season in another all-offense affair.
The Minnesota Timberwolves came into the game ranked No. 28 in defensive rating. The Sacramento Kings were ranked No. 30.
Is it any surprise that this was an offense-heavy affair that finished with 154 total points in a regulation-length, 48-minute game?
The Wolves leaned on a red-hot first quarter from Anthony Edwards that helped the Wolves hang tough as the King dropped 43 in the opening frame. D’Angelo Russell came in hot as well, putting up 26 of his 28 points in the first half, the second-highest scoring half that he’s ever had in his NBA career.
Minnesota surged ahead in the second quarter, only to watch the Kings go on a 17-8 run to close the first half, pulling the score even at 74.
The third quarter and the first half of the fourth quarter featured several lead changes, but the Wolves took control around the midway point in the final frame. Minnesota leaned on Karl-Anthony Towns to intiate a quick 7-0 run, and the Wolves led by six with four-and-a-half minutes remaining.
Suddenly, the lead was double-digits, and Towns and Anthony Edwards put the finishing touches on in the closing minutes.
Notably, Minnesota’s defense tightened up late, only allowing 17 points in the fourth quarter to a Kings team that scored with ease over the first three quarters and came into the game No. 12 in offensive rating.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Grades at Sacramento Kings
Other Notable Minnesota Timberwolves Players
Jarred Vanderbilt only scored two points and pulled down four rebounds, but his 14 minutes were typically active and he wreaked havoc on the game in a positive way.
Juancho Hernangomez was 0-of-4 on 3-point attempts and just 1-of-4 at the free throw line but still added five points, two rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes.
Jordan McLaughlin played one of his better games of late, scoring six points on a perfect 2-of-2 from outside the arc and adding five assists and a steal. He was a +6 in 13 minutes.
Next up for the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves stay in Sactown and will take on the Kings at 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday.