Portland Trail Blazers 106
Minnesota Timberwolves 101
The Minnesota Timberwolves couldn’t maintain a quick start and they stumbled on an emotional night at Target Center, falling to the Portland Trailblazers 106-101.
The night began with a stirring tribute to fallen Timberwolves coach and president Flip Saunders, who died last week from complications of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
1. A fast start fades
The Wolves used some of the emotion from that tribute to Saunders to jump out to a quick start, building a 34-21 lead in the first quarter.
But the energy didn’t last, as the Trail Blazers turned the tables in the second quarter.
After outscoring Blazers 34-17 in 1st qtr, the Wolves got thumped 32-19 in the 2nd. It's all tied at 53 at the half
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) November 3, 2015
2. No slowing Damian Lillard
The Wolves didn’t have an answer for Portland point guard Damian Lillard. He took the game over, leading the way for Portland with 34 points and seven assists.
Lillard was also 4-of-9 from the three-point line.
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3. Timberwolves bench
The Wolves bench was the main bright spot for the team, as they combined to score 60 points in the game. Kevin Martin had a team-high 24 for the Wolves.
Gorgui Dieng added 12 points and five rebounds, while Zach LaVine had 10 off the bench as well.
Tweet of the night:
Air Canada!
https://twitter.com/HoopsHypeCA/status/661395774870261760
Up Next:
The Wolves (2-1) host Miami on Thursday night.
