Your browser does not support iframes.
Late Surge, Strong Defense Helps Wolves Past Spurs 87-79
Minnesota did just that on Friday.
They established a presence in the paint early on thanks to Love’s reliable nightly play and the emergence of center Nikola Pekovic, who got the start as Darko Milicic was scratched due to illness. Pekovic filled in admirably, collecting his second career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds on the night.
The two paved the way to holding San Antonio (12-8) to two offensive rebounds on the night, a new Timberwolves franchise record.
Pekovic used his 6-foot-11, 290-pound frame to gain position, and it yielded offensive production throughout the contest. With the Wolves down 42-41 at halftime, Pekovic stepped up in the third and took charge with eight points in the first four minutes of the third to bolster a 15-4 Wolves run.
Adelman said Pekovic doesn’t try too much; instead, he stays within his strength and plays aggressive. Love simply said, “We’re happy to have the Eastern Block on our side.”
But Pekovic said the part of the night he’s most proud of was on the defensive end. The Wolves stifled the Spurs late in the contest, and throughout the game Pekovic helped contain Tim Duncan to just 2-of-12 shooting on the night.
“I’m just trying to help our team every time,” Pekovic said.