The Timberwolves showed a glimpse of their potential in Wednesday’s comeback win over the Chicago Bulls. Down 21 points in the first quarter, the Wolves stormed back with a monster second quarter and a rare consistent second half of offense and defense to rally and hold on for a 99-94 win.
Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune called it Chicago’s worst loss of the season. He writes: “It’s the players’ job to crush a team that was begging to be crushed the way the Timberwolves were from the opening tip. It’s their job to play hard for four quarters. Do. Your. Job.”
Minnesota’s defensive effort was one of its best of the season. Wiggins was a problem for All-Star Jimmy Butler in the second half and they frustrated Dwyane Wade to the point of an ejection after back-to-back technical foul calls in the final minute. Chicago scored 38 points in the first quarter and just 56 the rest of the game: 18 in the third and 19 points in the third and fourth quarters.
Minnesota now has three full days to prepare for James Harden when the Rockets visit Target Center on Saturday. That game puts an end to a really tough stretch and leads into a much more manageable portion of the schedule.
Dare we say, winning streak?
If Minnesota can beat Houston they’ll play 12 games in 21 days with only two games against teams with winning records (Utah and Oklahoma City) – and both of those games are at Target Center.
- Dec. 19 – vs. Suns (8-17)
- Dec. 21 – @ Hawks (12-13)
- Dec. 23 – vs. Kings (9-15)
- Dec. 25 – @ Thunder (15-10)
- Dec. 26 – vs. Hawks (12-13)
- Dec. 28 – @ Nuggets (9-16)
- Dec. 30 – vs. Bucks (11-12)
- Jan. 1 – vs. Trail Blazers (13-14)
- Jan. 3 – @ 76ers (6-18)
- Jan. 6 – @ Wizards (9-14)
- Jan. 7 – vs. Jazz (15-10)
- Jan. 9 – vs. Mavericks (6-18)
If Minnesota can live up to their potential like they did against the Bulls this should be a nice winning stretch for the Wolves.
