It was far from pretty, but to be expected considering the new look Timberwolves last played in a preseason game 10 days ago in China. But the “New Look, New Era” Wolves got beat by the Kawhi Leonard-less Spurs in the season opener, 107-99 in San Antonio Wednesday night.
Basically, Minnesota was sloppy while the Spurs, per usual, were crisp.
The lineup may look a lot different this year, but @Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau isn't interested in making excuses for his team pic.twitter.com/VYjR6dYi9l
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) October 19, 2017
That’s all you really need to know about a season opener. If you want more, here’s what stood out.
- Jimmy Butler hit two early threes and proceeded to score just 6 more points the rest of the game. And he missed a few open looks, including a wide open corner three with 2:30 to play in the game. His final line: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers and a -21 plus/minus.
- After 62 double-doubles last season, Karl-Anthony Towns earned his first of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but he didn’t look good defensively (at least not according to the eye test).
- Andrew Wiggins led all scorers with 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting. He piled up 12 points in the third quarter and was 4-of-6 on 3-pointers.
- A sloppy start by Jeff Teague gave Tyus Jones early run in the game, and he wound up playing 25 minutes as the backup point guard, including all of the clutch minutes late in the game. Teague had 11 points and 6 assists in 25 minutes.
- Jamal Crawford put in 24 minutes off the bench and put up a productive 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Per usual, Mr. Crossover didn’t play a ton of defense.
- Taj Gibson had a rough debut, hitting just 3-of-11 shots with 4 rebounds in 27 minutes as the starting power forward.
Up next, Ricky Rubio and the Utah Jazz Friday night at Target Center.
