NBA - - Wolves bite Blazers 112-96, notch third straight win
By Daniel Quindao Guden
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 18 Nov 2018
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Timberwolves played like hungry predators, biting and grinding the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 112-96 on Friday night at the Target Center.
With the Butler saga well behind them, the Wolves played with spirit and energy winning all four quarters in front of a wildly entertained home crowd of 18,978.
With Butler gone Andrew Wiggins slid back to his shooting guard position and showed the aggressiveness that netted him an effective 23 points. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose continued his climb back to top form with yet another superb effort off the bench with 17 points as Minnesota won their third straight.
Four other Wolves produced double figures. Karl-Anthony Towns and Robert Covington each had 14 points while Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson fired 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Shooting guard CJ McCollum led the Blazers with 18, Damian Lillard got 16, Jusuf Nurkic and Meyers Leonard had 13 and 10 points.
After a 4-9 start, coach Tom Thibodeau, at least for now, appears to have solved the mystery of his team's dispirited play, navigating through it with the ease with which chess grand master and Chaska City, Minnesota native Wesley So solves puzzles.
The wolves took the opening period 29-21 before extending the lead to to 55?43 at halftime. The bubble eventually ballooned to 83-67 entering the fourth quarter.
Last night was a special night in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes as it unveiled the purple colored City Edition Jerseys, T-shirts and caps dedicated to Minnesota?s pride the Late Concert King/Musician Prince Rogers Nelson.
Former Minnesota great Kevin ?The Big Ticket? Garnett was in attendance last night wearing Prince custom jersey No. 99, while famous Jellybean Johnson played the National Anthem on his electric guitar.
Morris Day, performed during the halftime show together with his backup dancers. The late Prince's former DJ, Dudley D, also played some of Prince favorite songs.
The two role players acquired from Philadelphia in the Butler trade ---- Robert Covington and FIBA Europe MVP Dario Saric --- have been productive thus far.
UP NEXT.
The Trail Blazers hits the road and visit John Wall, Dwight Howard and the Washington Wizards on Sunday night while the Timberwolves will host Pau Gasol, Mike Conley and the Memphis Grizzlies on the same night.
Photo: Wolves players and fans wears Purple Jerseys and t-shirts, including Kevin Garnett.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Daniel Quindao Guden.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
U2: Denys Berichyk Gives Ukraine Another World Champion
Sun, 19 May 2024Dallas Mavs Nip OKC Thunder 117-116 Advance to Western Conference Finals
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 19 May 2024Lone Survivor: Usyk Topples Fury to Win Undisputed Heavyweight Crown
Sun, 19 May 2024Undisputed: Oleksandr Usyk Drops, Edges Fury to Claim Heavyweight Glory
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 19 May 2024Elorde named to WBC body
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 19 May 2024Indiana Bests New York, Forces Game 7 in East Semis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 18 May 2024Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates in Semi Finals at PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 18 May 2024Fury vs. Usyk: The Big One Has Finally Arrived
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 18 May 2024FM Arca remains on top in Vietnam Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 18 May 2024Weigh-In Results: Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk & Giovani Santillan vs. Brian Norman Jr.
Sat, 18 May 2024WEIGHTS FROM RIYADH: TYSON FURY - 262 LBS, OLEKSANDR USYK - 233.5 LBS
Sat, 18 May 2024THE UNDEFEATED KNOCKOUT MACHINE WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA TO FACE TOP CONTENDER GIOVANNI CABRERA ON SATURDAY, JULY 6
Sat, 18 May 2024Asia Supremacy: Team Philippines Eyes Strong Showing Vs Team Chinese Taipei
Sat, 18 May 2024THREE TITLE FIGHTS AND THREE UNDEFEATED BOXERS TRAINED BY ROY JONES JR. HEADLINE JUNE 28 BOXING CARD AT LEGENDS CASINO LIVE WORLDWIDE ON BLK PRIME
Sat, 18 May 2024T-Wolves Mangle Denver 115-70, Force Game Seven in West Semis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 17 May 2024