The return of Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin sparked the Timberwolves to a 108-97 win over the Kings in Sacramento Saturday night.
Martin paced a strong offensive attack with 26 points. It was his first game back after missing seven consecutive games with a broken thumb. After missing the previous 13 games with bursitis in his ankle, Pekovic picked up where he left off with 20 points and nine rebounds – right around his season averages (18.1 points, 9.1 rebounds).
In a an interview with FOX Sports North, Pekovic admitted that he’ll probably have to play through pain in his Achilles for the remainder of the season.
Kevin Love had another monster game with 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He shot just 4-12 from the field but made up for a poor shooting percentage with a 12-14 night at the free-throw line. Love has averaged more than 12 attempts at the charity stripe since the beginning of February.
His team record of six straight games with at least 30 points came to an end.
Minnesota took control of the game with a strong third quarter, outscoring the Kings 31-14.
The win puts the Wolves back at .500 (28-28), and they’ve won five of their last six games overall.
