The Minnesota Timberwolves returned from the All-Star break with a badly needed win. The Wolves beat the Indiana Pacers 104-91 on Wednesday night, at Target Center.
The win was vital for the Wolves (26-28), now just two games under .500. They embark on a five-game road trip playing at Utah, Portland, Phoenix, Sacramento and Denver before returning home.
The Wolves were led by a huge night from Kevin Love. Love finished with 42 points and 16 rebounds. He had already recorded his NBA-leading 45th double-double before halftime.
The Wolves superstar responded with a huge game in the face of constant trade rumors circulating around Love with Thursday afternoon’s NBA trade deadline looming.
He recently told GQ Magazine that the Wolves have a better team and a better foundation than the Lakers, who he has reportedly been interested in.
"Kevin Love was amazing" — Adelman. Love put up 42 points, 16 rebounds, 14-of-22, 5-of-10 on 3-pts vs Indiana
— Nate Sandell (@NSandell) February 20, 2014
Corey Brewer and J.J. Barea were in double figures with 12 points. Ronny Turiaf had 11 and Dante Cunningham added 10.
It was a good night for Ricky Rubio as well. The Wolves point guard dished out a game-high 17 assists. He also grabbed seven boards and finished with six points.
The Wolves got out to a quick start, simply running the Pacers off the floor in the first quarter. The Wolves outscored the Pacers in the first 30-18 and built the lead to 52-39 at the half.
With Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin already out, the one thing the Wolves didn’t need was another injury. But Turiaf left the game with a knee injury, according to the Pioneer Press. He did not return.
