Timberwolves-Nuggets Preview

By MATT BECKER
Posted Nov 28 2009 7:32PM

Just four days ago, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets coasted to an easy win over Minnesota to extend the Timberwolves' lengthy losing streak.

Very little suggests Sunday's meeting will be any different.

Coming off the highest-scoring game of his career, Anthony looks to lead the Nuggets to their 11th consecutive victory over Minnesota, which is trying to avoid matching a franchise record with its 16th straight defeat.

Anthony carried Northwest Division-leading Denver (12-4) to a 128-125 win over New York on Friday, the Nuggets' fourth victory in a row and sixth in seven games. He finished with a career-best 50 points and his two free throws with 16 seconds remaining sealed the win.

"'Melo is one of the best players in the world," said point guard Chauncey Billups, who finished with a season-high 32 points. "If you've got him going like that, then you've got to ride him."

This was a stark contrast to Denver's previous game, when Anthony, averaging a career-best and league-leading 30.9 points, was hardly needed in Wednesday's 124-111 win over the Timberwolves. He finished with 22 points in a season-low 29 minutes as the high-powered Nuggets had little trouble against the vulnerable Minnesota defense and led by as many as 27.

Billups added 19 points and Nene had 17 as seven Denver players scored in double figures for the team's 10th straight win over the Timberwolves since losing 99-94 on Feb. 14, 2007.

The Nuggets, averaging 116.3 points on 50.8 percent shooting in their last four games, aren't the only team giving Minnesota problems.

The Timberwolves (1-15) defeated New Jersey 95-93 in their season opener, but haven't won since. Their 15 consecutive losses are one shy of the franchise record set Feb. 29-March 29, 1992.

"Losing is like a form of depression. It wears on you and it drains energy out of you," rookie Jonny Flynn said after Friday's 120-95 loss to Phoenix. "You can see it all on your face. I think tonight it really started getting to us."

Rarely have the games been close for the Timberwolves, who are being outscored by an average of 14.7 points and have five defeats by at least 23. They showed little fight Friday, shooting 36 percent against the defense-averse Suns in the first three quarters while falling behind by 32.

"It seems like this is the 100th game in a row where we're down big," said Flynn, averaging 18.3 points in his last three games. "It definitely gets to you."

Trying to snap this skid in Denver isn't ideal.

The Nuggets have won 17 straight regular-season games at the Pepsi Center since a 97-95 defeat to Houston on March 9, and have outscored their seven opponents there this season by an average of 14.2 points.

Minnesota, which has lost five straight in Denver, has been outscored by an average of 16.8 points in losing its seven road games this season.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Timberwolves stun Nuggets, snap 15-game losing streak

By Michael Kelly, for NBA.com
Posted Monday November 30, 2009 12:32AM

DENVER (NBA.com exclusive) -- As the losses kept piling up on the Timberwolves -- 15 straight since beating winless New Jersey on opening night -- it was hard to stay upbeat.

A near-win against Boston. Another one slipped away at the Clippers. So playing the streaking Nuggets on their home court, where they had won 17 straight, seemed like an impossible task.

But the young Minnesota team didn't realize being down 14 at halftime was supposed to spell doom. Instead, the Timberwolves dug deep and pulled out an improbable 106-100 win over Denver on Sunday night.

"Man, you don't know how much a weight is off our shoulders right now," said Ryan Gomes, who had a team-high 27 points. "It was tough for us but we had to battle. We knew it was going to break one day."

But in Denver, where the Nuggets hadn't lost a regular season game since March 9 against Houston? That resonated with the players.

"Coming in against an NBA championship-caliber team like Denver who rarely ever loses at home, that's a big statement," rookie point guard Jonny Flynn said. "It shows if we play the way we can play basketball, we can beat teams."

Statistically, this was supposed to be a game to cap a great November for the Nuggets. They were 10-4, survived a six-game Eastern Conference road swing and won key divisional games against the Jazz and Trail Blazers.

Instead, an unexpected loss to a 1-15 team put a damper on the month.

"We got exactly what we deserved," said Kenyon Martin, who had 16 points and 14 rebounds. "That team is not going to stop playing basketball because they lost 15 straight. They've got pride and we got exactly what we deserved."

The Timberwolves feel they did, too. The coaches and the players know they're not a playoff team, but they want to lay the foundation for the future. They've been able to keep the losses in perspective, but they also know getting rewarded for hard work is a must.

"The 'W' is the only thing that matters in this league," Flynn said. "You can do all the things you want well but if you keep losing nobody notices how the team is playing."

It didn't look like a win was possible early. Carmelo Anthony, coming off the first 50-point game of his career, had 19 of his game-high 32 in the first quarter as Denver took a 40-25 lead after 12 minutes and led 64-50 at halftime.

But the Timberwolves felt the Nuggets missed their chance to put them away.

"Being down 14 to Denver, for us that was like being down three," said Damien Wilkins, who had 15 points and 12 rebounds. "We came into the locker room and were like, 'They'll let us back in it with the way they play.' They're known as a team that will relax sometimes. They relaxed just enough and we played hard enough to keep ourselves in the game."

Minnesota blitzed Denver with a 31-12 third quarter and the collapse that was supposed to happen in the fourth quarter never did. The Nuggets never got closer than three in the final 12 minutes.

Before the game, Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis said his team had "pockets of games where we're terrific, but those pockets are far and few between." After the game he praised his team's second- half poise.

"Those were some of the longest streaks our guys did the correct things," he said. "Except for getting off to a horrific start in the first quarter, if my math is correct we won the last three quarters."

The Nuggets, who had a close call against the struggling Knicks on Friday night, might have gotten the wakeup call they needed.

"Were a proud team, we're a very good team," Denver coach George Karl said. "You saw it in these other games. Tonight we were an embarrassment and we have to live with it for the next 48 hours."

The Timberwolves get to enjoy this for a few days. It's only one win, but for a team trying to build confidence, it means a lot.

"Does this alleviate everything? No," Rambis said. "Hopefully they take the good things they did and good things will come from it. "

• Timberwolves: Blount, Hart, Love
• Nuggets: Balkman

• Timberwolves: --
• Nuggets: Anthony

• Lead Changes: 4
• Times Tied: 3

• Arena: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
• Officials: #10 Ron Garretson, #45 Joe Forte, #53 Mark Lindsay
• Attendance: 15147
• Duration: 2:17

Minnesota Timberwolves (8-28)		Denver Nuggets (21-14)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Hilario vs Jefferson (Anthony gains possession)
	11:42	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:41
Flynn Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	11:34 [MIN 2-0]
	11:13 [DEN 2-2]	Martin Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Gomes Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	10:55
	10:54	Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:47	Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:47
Brewer 3pt Shot: Missed	10:23
	10:22	Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:19 [DEN 4-2]	Afflalo Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)
Jefferson Jump Shot: Missed	10:07
	10:06	Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	09:59 [DEN 6-2]	Hilario Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Anthony (1 AST)
Jefferson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	09:59
	09:59 [DEN 7-2]	Hilario Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)
Wilkins Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Jefferson (1 AST)	09:44 [MIN 4-7]
	09:31	Martin Jump Shot: Missed
Flynn Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:30
Brewer Jump Shot: Missed	09:13
	09:13	Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	08:53	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	08:52
Flynn 3pt Shot: Missed	08:43
	08:43	Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	08:30	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Flynn Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	08:30
Gomes Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Flynn (1 AST)	08:24 [MIN 6-7]
Flynn Foul : Personal (1 PF)	08:12
	08:05 [DEN 9-6]	Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (1 AST)
Flynn Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)	07:58 [MIN 8-9]
	07:58	Billups Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Flynn Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	07:58
	07:56	Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	07:45 [DEN 11-8]	Anthony Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (1 AST)
Wilkins 3pt Shot: Missed	07:24
Jefferson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	07:23
Jefferson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Billups (1 ST)	07:20
	07:20	Billups Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)
Flynn Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	07:11
Jefferson Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	07:00
	07:00 [DEN 12-8]	Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Jawai	07:00
	07:00 [DEN 13-8]	Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Flynn 3pt Shot: Missed	06:49
	06:49	Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	06:40 [DEN 16-8]	Anthony 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Hilario (1 AST)
Brewer Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Jawai (1 AST)	06:25 [MIN 10-16]
Team Violation : Delay Of Game	06:24
	06:07 [DEN 19-10]	Anthony 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Hilario (2 AST)
Wilkins Jump Shot: Missed	05:52
Gomes Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	05:52
Gomes Layup Shot: Missed Block: Billups (1 BLK)	05:50
	05:48	Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	05:39	Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed
Jawai Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	05:37
Wilkins 3pt Shot: Missed	05:30
	05:29	Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	05:27 [DEN 21-10]	Anthony Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (2 AST)
Wilkins Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	05:27
	05:27	Team Timeout : Regular
Wilkins Substitution replaced by Hollins	05:27
	05:27 [DEN 22-10]	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 1 (11 PTS)
Gomes 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Flynn (2 AST)	05:12 [MIN 13-22]
Gomes Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	05:00
	05:00 [DEN 23-13]	Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)
	05:00 [DEN 24-13]	Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)
Gomes Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS)	04:51 [MIN 15-24]
Hollins Foul : Defense 3 Second (0 PF)	04:38
	04:38	Billups Free Throw Technical Missed
	04:38	Team Rebound
	04:30	Martin Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hollins (1 ST)
Flynn Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)	04:26 [MIN 17-24]
	04:09 [DEN 26-17]	Martin Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Hilario (3 AST)
	04:02	Anthony Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	04:02	Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith
Brewer Jump Shot: Missed	03:56
	03:55	Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	03:44	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Jawai Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	03:43
	03:32	Martin Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Hollins Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	03:32 [MIN 18-26]
	03:32	Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen
Hollins Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	03:32 [MIN 19-26]
	03:15	Martin Layup Shot: Missed
	03:13	Team Rebound
Gomes Substitution replaced by Wilkins	03:13
Wilkins Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	03:05
	03:05 [DEN 27-19]	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)
	03:05 [DEN 28-19]	Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)
	02:57	Andersen Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:57
Flynn Substitution replaced by Sessions	02:57
Hollins Layup Shot: Missed Block: Billups (2 BLK)	02:46
	02:44	Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	02:38 [DEN 30-19]	Anthony Layup Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Smith (1 AST)
Jawai Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (1 BLK)	02:29
Jawai Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	02:28
Jawai Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (2 BLK)	02:27
	02:26	Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	02:03 [DEN 33-19]	Martin 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Anthony (2 AST)
Sessions Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Wilkins (1 AST)	01:53 [MIN 21-33]
Jawai Foul : Defense 3 Second (0 PF)	01:39
	01:39 [DEN 34-21]	Billups Free Throw Technical (3 PTS)
Jawai Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	01:30
Brewer Substitution replaced by Ellington	01:30
	01:30 [DEN 35-21]	Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 (10 PTS)
	01:30	Billups Substitution replaced by Lawson
	01:30 [DEN 36-21]	Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 (11 PTS)
Wilkins Driving Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS)	01:11 [MIN 23-36]
	00:56.0 [DEN 38-23]	Anthony Jump Shot: Made (17 PTS)
Sessions Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	00:45.8
	00:30.9 [DEN 40-23]	Anthony Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (19 PTS) Assist: Martin (2 AST)
Wilkins Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Ellington (1 AST)	00:15.0 [MIN 25-40]
	00:02.0	Smith 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 1st Quarter
Minnesota Timberwolves (8-28)		Denver Nuggets (21-14)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Hollins Jump Shot: Missed	11:46
	11:46	Lawson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:36	Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed
	11:35	Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
Hollins Foul : Personal (1 PF)	11:33
Jawai Substitution replaced by Pecherov	11:33
	11:25	Martin Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)
	11:17	Andersen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
	11:17	Anthony Substitution replaced by Graham
Ellington Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	11:17
Team Rebound	11:17
Ellington Free Throw 2 of 2 (1 PTS)	11:17 [MIN 26-40]
	10:59	Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed Block: Pecherov (1 BLK)
	10:57	Smith Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	10:50	Martin 3pt Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	10:49
Wilkins Turnover : Backcourt Turnover (1 TO)	10:40
Hollins Substitution replaced by Jefferson	10:40
	10:32	Lawson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Pecherov (1 ST)
Pecherov Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	10:29
Ellington Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	10:16
	10:16 [DEN 41-26]	Smith Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	10:16	Smith Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	10:15
Ellington Jump Shot: Missed	09:56
Pecherov Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	09:56
Pecherov Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:53 [MIN 28-41]
	09:46	Lawson Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Sessions (1 ST)
Jefferson Jump Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Wilkins (2 AST)	09:37 [MIN 30-41]
	09:17	Smith Jump Shot: Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	09:17
Sessions Jump Shot: Missed	08:56
	08:56	Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	08:44 [DEN 43-30]	Andersen Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Smith (2 AST)
Ellington 3pt Shot: Missed	08:29
	08:29	Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	08:23 [DEN 45-30]	Smith Driving Layup Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Lawson (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	08:16
	08:16	Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario
Pecherov Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)	08:03
	07:48 [DEN 47-30]	Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Andersen (1 AST)
Sessions Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Hilario (1 ST)	07:22
	07:11	Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed
Ellington Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:11
Sessions Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Ellington (2 AST)	07:07 [MIN 32-47]
Pecherov Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	07:02
Pecherov Substitution replaced by Hollins	07:02
Sessions Substitution replaced by Flynn	07:02
	07:02 [DEN 48-32]	Graham Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
Ellington Substitution replaced by Brewer	07:02
Wilkins Substitution replaced by Gomes	07:02
	07:02 [DEN 49-32]	Graham Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Gomes 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Flynn (3 AST)	06:50 [MIN 35-49]
	06:37	Hilario Reverse Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hollins (1 BLK)
Flynn Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	06:36
Hollins Jump Hook Shot: Missed	06:11
	06:11	Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	06:02	Andersen Turnover : 3 Second Violation (1 TO)
Flynn Driving Layup Shot: Missed	05:48
	05:47	Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
	05:43 [DEN 51-35]	Lawson Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Hollins Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Gomes (1 AST)	05:28 [MIN 37-51]
	05:13	Smith Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Flynn (1 ST)
Brewer Slam Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Flynn (4 AST)	05:10 [MIN 39-51]
	05:09	Team Timeout : Regular
	04:55 [DEN 53-39]	Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Smith (3 AST)
Flynn Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Lawson (1 ST)	04:37
Brewer Foul : Personal (1 PF)	04:33
	04:33	Smith Substitution replaced by Billups
	04:21 [DEN 55-39]	Lawson Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Andersen (2 AST)
Gomes Running Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS)	03:55 [MIN 41-55]
	03:41 [DEN 58-41]	Billups 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Hilario (4 AST)
Jefferson Jump Bank Shot: Made (4 PTS)	03:19 [MIN 43-58]
	03:09	Graham Jump Shot: Missed
	03:07	Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	03:02 [DEN 60-43]	Andersen Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Lawson (2 AST)
	02:46	Hilario Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Timeout : Official	02:46
Flynn Substitution replaced by Sessions	02:46
	02:46	Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin
	02:46	Graham Substitution replaced by Anthony
Jefferson Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	02:46 [MIN 44-60]
Jefferson Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)	02:46 [MIN 45-60]
	02:35	Lawson Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Brewer (1 ST)
Gomes Dunk Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Brewer (1 AST)	02:32 [MIN 47-60]
	02:32	Martin Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
	02:32	Lawson Substitution replaced by Smith
Gomes Free Throw 1 of 1 (15 PTS)	02:32 [MIN 48-60]
	02:17 [DEN 62-48]	Smith Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Billups (2 AST)
Jefferson Jump Shot: Missed	02:01
	02:00	Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	01:49	Hilario Running Hook Shot: Missed Block: Jefferson (1 BLK)
	01:49	Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	01:45 [DEN 64-48]	Martin Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS)
Hollins Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Martin (1 ST)	01:35
	01:20	Smith 3pt Shot: Missed
Sessions Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:19
Sessions Driving Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)	01:09 [MIN 50-64]
	00:53.9	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:52.9
Brewer Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hilario (2 ST)	00:49.9
	00:45.9	Anthony Layup Shot: Missed
	00:44.7	Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	00:44.7	Anthony Tip Shot: Missed
Sessions Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:43.7
Hollins Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Anthony (1 ST)	00:28.9
	00:02.4	Smith 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	00:02.4
	00:02.4	Hilario Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)
Team Timeout : Short	00:02.4
Gomes 3pt Shot: Missed	00:01.3
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 2nd Quarter
Minnesota Timberwolves (8-28)		Denver Nuggets (21-14)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Brewer Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Jefferson (2 AST)	11:42 [MIN 52-64]
	11:29	Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Brewer (2 ST)
Flynn Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	11:24 [MIN 54-64]
	11:08	Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	11:08
Jefferson Jump Hook Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Wilkins (3 AST)	10:56 [MIN 56-64]
	10:38	Hilario Jump Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	10:37
Flynn Driving Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS)	10:31 [MIN 58-64]
	10:30	Team Timeout : Regular
	10:12	Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Missed
	10:11	Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)
	10:09	Martin Layup Shot: Missed
	10:08	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	10:08	Martin Tip Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)	10:07
Gomes Jump Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Wilkins (4 AST)	09:52 [MIN 60-64]
	09:37	Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Gomes (1 ST)
	09:33	Martin Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)	09:33 [MIN 61-64]
Brewer Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)	09:33 [MIN 62-64]
	09:14	Anthony Running Jump Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)	09:14
	09:07	Hilario Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Flynn Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS)	08:55 [MIN 64-64]
	08:43 [DEN 67-64]	Billups 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Hilario (5 AST)
Flynn 3pt Shot: Missed	08:20
	08:20	Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Gomes Foul : Personal (2 PF)	08:17
	08:09	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	08:08
Team Timeout : Short	07:56
Gomes Layup Shot: Made (19 PTS) Assist: Flynn (5 AST)	07:46 [MIN 66-67]
	07:31	Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:8)	07:30
Wilkins 3pt Shot: Missed	07:22
	07:22	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)
	07:14	Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (4 TO) Steal:Gomes (2 ST)
Jefferson Jump Shot: Missed	07:02
Wilkins Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	07:01
Wilkins Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (1 BLK)	07:01
Wilkins Rebound (Off:2 Def:8)	06:59
Wilkins Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	06:55 [MIN 68-67]
	06:36 [DEN 69-68]	Afflalo Running Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Brewer Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Jefferson (3 AST)	06:16 [MIN 70-69]
Brewer Foul : Personal (2 PF)	06:14
	06:06	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
	06:06	Team Rebound
Gomes Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)	06:06
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Jawai	06:06
	06:02	Anthony Technical
Wilkins Free Throw Technical (9 PTS)	06:02 [MIN 71-69]
Gomes Substitution replaced by Hollins	06:02
Hollins Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	05:51
	05:51 [DEN 70-71]	Afflalo Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	05:51	Afflalo Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Wilkins Rebound (Off:2 Def:9)	05:50
Flynn 3pt Shot: Missed	05:33
	05:32	Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	05:24	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
	05:23	Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
Hollins Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	05:23
	05:23 [DEN 71-71]	Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)
	05:23	Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Jawai Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	05:21
Brewer Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS)	04:58 [MIN 73-71]
	04:40	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	04:39
Flynn Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Martin (1 BLK)	04:32
	04:30	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)
	04:22	Anthony Running Jump Shot: Missed
Jawai Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	04:22
Brewer 3pt Shot: Missed	04:06
	04:06	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:7)
	03:48	Martin Jump Shot: Missed
Jawai Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	03:48
Wilkins Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS)	03:27 [MIN 75-71]
Flynn Foul : Personal (2 PF)	03:12
	03:12	Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen
	03:12	Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith
	03:12	Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	03:12	Team Rebound
Jawai Substitution replaced by Jefferson	03:12
	03:12 [DEN 72-75]	Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)
Flynn Jump Shot: Missed	03:00
Wilkins Rebound (Off:3 Def:9)	03:00
Flynn Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Anthony (1 BLK)	02:58
Team Rebound	02:56
Team Timeout : Regular	02:56
Wilkins Substitution replaced by Gomes	02:56
Brewer Substitution replaced by Ellington	02:56
Jefferson Jump Shot: Missed	02:45
	02:44	Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	02:27	Anthony Foul : Offensive (2 PF)
	02:27	Anthony Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Flynn Substitution replaced by Sessions	02:27
Gomes Jump Shot: Made (21 PTS) Assist: Hollins (1 AST)	02:14 [MIN 77-72]
	01:49 [DEN 74-77]	Anthony Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (21 PTS)
Jefferson Driving Reverse Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Sessions (1 AST)	01:30 [MIN 79-74]
	01:01 [DEN 76-79]	Anthony Jump Shot: Made (23 PTS) Assist: Billups (3 AST)
Jefferson Jump Hook Shot: Missed	00:35.8
Jefferson Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	00:35.4
Jefferson Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS)	00:34.4 [MIN 81-76]
	00:34.4	Andersen Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
	00:34.4	Billups Substitution replaced by Lawson
Jefferson Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	00:34.4
	00:32.9	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:8)
	00:14.9	Anthony Running Jump Shot: Missed Block: Gomes (1 BLK)
Hollins Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:13.9
Hollins Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO)	00:12.0
	00:12.0	Andersen Substitution replaced by Afflalo
	00:00.8	Afflalo Jump Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 3rd Quarter
Minnesota Timberwolves (8-28)		Denver Nuggets (21-14)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
Jefferson Foul : Personal (3 PF)	11:51
	11:33 [DEN 78-81]	Lawson Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Gomes Jump Shot: Made (23 PTS)	11:14 [MIN 83-78]
	11:02	Lawson Turnover : Lost Ball (4 TO) Steal:Ellington (1 ST)
	11:00	Smith Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Ellington Free Throw 1 of 2 (2 PTS)	11:00 [MIN 84-78]
Ellington Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)	11:00 [MIN 85-78]
	10:32 [DEN 80-85]	Smith Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Gomes 3pt Shot: Missed	10:18
Jefferson Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)	10:16
	10:07	Afflalo Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	10:03	Lawson Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Jefferson Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Hilario (3 ST)	09:57
	09:48	Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	09:47
Ellington 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Sessions (2 AST)	09:24 [MIN 88-80]
	09:09	Hilario Jump Shot: Missed
Gomes Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	09:08
Ellington Foul : Offensive (2 PF)	09:05
Ellington Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	09:05
	09:05	Team Timeout : Regular
Jefferson Substitution replaced by Jawai	09:05
Hollins Substitution replaced by Wilkins	09:05
	08:50	Smith 3pt Shot: Missed
Jawai Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	08:50
Ellington 3pt Shot: Missed	08:38
	08:37	Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
	08:31 [DEN 82-88]	Afflalo Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Lawson (3 AST)
Gomes Foul : Offensive (4 PF)	08:04
Gomes Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	08:04
Ellington Substitution replaced by Brewer	08:04
	08:04	Andersen Substitution replaced by Anthony
Sessions Foul : Personal (1 PF)	07:50
	07:34	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Sessions Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	07:32
Gomes Jump Shot: Made (25 PTS) Assist: Wilkins (5 AST)	07:18 [MIN 90-82]
	07:05	Afflalo Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)
	07:05	Smith Substitution replaced by Billups
Gomes Layup Shot: Made (27 PTS) Assist: Wilkins (6 AST)	06:48 [MIN 92-82]
	06:37	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
	06:37	Billups Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
Sessions Substitution replaced by Flynn	06:35
Jawai Substitution replaced by Jefferson	06:35
	06:31	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
	06:30	Afflalo Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	06:25 [DEN 84-92]	Afflalo Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (9 PTS)
Jefferson Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (2 BLK)	06:09
	06:06	Billups Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
Brewer Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	06:04
	06:04 [DEN 85-92]	Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)
	06:04	Lawson Substitution replaced by Martin
Gomes Substitution replaced by Hollins	06:04
	06:04 [DEN 86-92]	Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)
Wilkins Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Flynn (6 AST)	05:42 [MIN 94-86]
Jefferson Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	05:18
	05:18	Timeout : Official
Hollins Substitution replaced by Gomes	05:18
	05:18 [DEN 87-94]	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (24 PTS)
	05:18 [DEN 88-94]	Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (25 PTS)
Gomes Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (3 BLK)	04:57
	04:55	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:9)
	04:48	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
Flynn Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	04:48
Gomes Jump Shot: Missed Block: Martin (2 BLK)	04:25
	04:24	Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)
	04:01	Anthony Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	04:01
Flynn Running Jump Shot: Missed	03:41
	03:41	Team Rebound
Gomes Foul : Loose Ball (5 PF)	03:41
	03:41 [DEN 89-94]	Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)
	03:41 [DEN 90-94]	Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)
Flynn Driving Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS)	03:19 [MIN 96-90]
	03:05	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
	03:04	Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:9)
	03:04 [DEN 92-96]	Martin Tip Shot: Made (16 PTS)
Brewer Driving Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS)	02:42 [MIN 98-92]
	02:42	Hilario Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:42
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 1 (15 PTS)	02:42 [MIN 99-92]
	02:32 [DEN 94-99]	Anthony Layup Shot: Made (27 PTS)
Jefferson Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Gomes (2 AST)	02:12 [MIN 101-94]
	01:58	Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	01:57
Jefferson Jump Hook Shot: Missed	01:36
	01:36	Afflalo Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
Brewer Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	01:30
	01:30 [DEN 95-101]	Hilario Free Throw 1 of 2 (10 PTS)
	01:30	Hilario Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)	01:29
Flynn Running Jump Shot: Missed	01:04
	01:03	Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:10)
	00:51.6 [DEN 97-101]	Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (29 PTS)
Team Timeout : Short	00:51.6
	00:28.4	Anthony Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Wilkins Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)	00:28.4 [MIN 102-97]
Wilkins Free Throw 2 of 2 (15 PTS)	00:28.4 [MIN 103-97]
	00:28.4	Team Timeout : Short
	00:23.9	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
Gomes Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	00:23.7
	00:19.6	Afflalo Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Flynn Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)	00:19.6 [MIN 104-97]
Flynn Free Throw 2 of 2 (16 PTS)	00:19.6 [MIN 105-97]
	00:16.4 [DEN 100-105]	Anthony 3pt Shot: Made (32 PTS) Assist: Martin (3 AST)
	00:12.2	Billups Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 2 (16 PTS)	00:12.2 [MIN 106-100]
Brewer Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	00:12.2
	00:10.7	Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)
	00:00.9	Martin 3pt Shot: Missed
Jefferson Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	00:00.7
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa		--	ASE	Local	8:00 pm ET
		--	FSNN-MIN	Local	8:00 pm ET