Despite leading by as much as 23 points in the second quarter, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell apart in a 129-123 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls. Following an impressive first-half performance, the Timberwolves weren’t able to sustain a double-digit lead and eventually came up short in a surprising loss on the road.
Minnesota appeared to be in complete control with a 69-47 lead at halftime before being outscored 36-23 in the third quarter as the Bulls got back within striking distance. Chicago continued to take advantage of the Timberwolves' lackluster play in the fourth quarter and found a way to grab a lead in the final minutes of regulation.
The Bulls held a 115-112 advantage with just over a minute left until Minnesota forward Karl-Anthony Towns knocked down a game-tying 3-pointer to force overtime. The Timberwolves aimed to regain momentum in the extra period but Chicago pulled away down the stretch to complete the second-half comeback.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 7, 2024
Chris Finch’s squad just couldn’t contain the Bulls' backcourt duo after halftime as DeMar DeRozan and Coby White tied for a team-high 33 points. White scored 30 points in the second half alone as he caught fire from beyond the arc. Chicago took a while to find a rhythm from 3-point range but it proved to be better late than never.
Minnesota star guard Anthony Edwards racked up a game-high 38 points and 12 rebounds but it wasn’t enough to secure a win as he struggled late in the game. Towns totaled 33 points and five rebounds on 7-of-16 shooting from 3-point territory. Center Rudy Gobert posted 12 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.
With a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference standings, Minnesota played uninspired throughout the second half and it came back to bite them. The Timberwolves dropped to 35-16 with the loss and will attempt to get back on track against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.