Your browser does not support iframes.
After a dismal start for the Wolves, the Knicks were able to build a substantial lead behind 23 fast-break points and hot shooting from beyond the arc. The Knicks quick perimeter ball movement led to open looks, as Danilo Gallinari and Raymond Felton capitalized with several early three-point buckets each. However, the Wolves were able to closeout on shooters and tighten their defensive approach in the second half, which helped change the game around.
The Wolves progressively chipped away at the lead and gained momentum behind Love and Beasley. The two forwards clearly put their heart and soul into every possession, and the young supporting cast followed their lead. Minnesota looked for Michael Beasley down the stretch to create in isolation, and he responded tremendously. After a Beasley jump-shot tied the game at 87, the Wolves were determined to finish the game with a win, behind a crowd support at Target Center that Minnesota hasn’t had in years.
Leader of the Pack:
Kevin Love. Enough said. Rookie Report:
Wesley Johnson played his role perfectly, knocking down open-looks and being very efficient on the offensive end. Johnson finished with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. As the season progresses, Johnson has become more and more confident in his offensive abilities and it is only a matter of time before he explodes for a breakout game. Highlight to Remember:
As we have seen throughout the season, Michael Beasley takes pride in posterizing his opponents. This time it was perennial All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire. Beasley was given a mid-court outlet pass in the second quarter and had a look on his face, knowing he was going to take off. Jumping from outside the left block, Beasley elevated over Stoudemire’s attempt at a block and came down with authority for a rim-rattling dunk. The Numbers Game:
Kevin Love’s 30-30 performance was the first since Moses Malone did it 28 years ago. Looking Ahead:
The Wolves will head back on the road as they face Atlanta on Sunday and Charlotte on Monday. Minnesota will be back at Target Center on Wednesday, November 17th against the Los Angeles Clippers.