Mike Dunleavy knocked down five threes and Jimmy Butler scored 28 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 96-89 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Both teams were missing some of their stars. Chicago was without Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol, while the Wolves were missing Kevin Garnett, who sat out ahead of Saturday night’s game at Target Center against Memphis.
Dunleavy finished with 21, and Tony Snell chipped in 12 stepping up for the injury-riddled Bulls.
Kevin Martin led the way for the Wolves with 18 points, while Ricky Rubio had a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. Nikola Pekovic also had a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. Wolves rookie Andrew Wiggins had 14.
The Wolves fell despite hold Chicago to 39 percent shooting, but Chicago grabbed 22 offensive rebounds and took advantage of their extra opportunities.
The Wolves kept it close, but it seemed that every time the Wolves had a chance to get over the hump Butler or Dunleavy would hit a big shot.
Garnett is expected to be back in the lineup Saturday night for the Wolves (13-44) at home against Memphis.
