The Wolves trailed by just five going into the fourth quarter against the 12-1 Pacers, but Indiana stepped up the defensive pressure and ran away from Minnesota in the fourth to stay undefeated at home, a 98-84 win.
Indiana came into the game ranked No. 1 in virtually every defensive category, and Minnesota found out why Monday, as they struggled from the field, shooting just 32 percent.
On the other side, the Pacers were efficient and effective offensively, shooting an even 50 percent from the floor, with Paul George and George Hill combining for 52 points on 19-29 shooting.
Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic both posted double-doubles for the Wolves, but Kevin Martin and Love combined to go 9-33 from the field, an ugly performance on an ugly offensive night.
The Wolves have now lost four of their last five, and have dropped to 8-8 on the year, while the Pacers are an NBA-best 13-1.
Minnesota is in action Wednesday at Target Center against Denver, a game Luc Mbah a Moute may be on the roster, and Derrick Williams may not.
