The Minnesota Timberwolves might have played their best game all season on Monday night at the Target Center. And it just-so-happened to come against LeBron James and the defending Eastern Conference champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Wolves crushed the Cavs, 127-99, leading by as much as 41 points in the game. That 41-point lead tied the largest regular-season deficit of James’ career.
Andrew Wiggins led the Wolves with 25 points and six rebounds. Jimmy Butler had a near triple-double, finishing with 21 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals. He’s now won his last seven matchups against James. Karl-Anthony Towns had a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double. Taj Gibson finished with 16 points and 13 boards. Gorgui Dieng led the second unit with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Jamal Crawford finished with 10 points.
Jeff Green led Cleveland with 22 points off the bench. Kyle Korver added 19 points and five assists. Dwyane Wade scored 13 points and had six assists, while James finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Wolves move to 26-16, fourth in the West. The Cavaliers fall to 26-14, third in the East.
Highlight of the Night
With 2:44 left in the first half, Tyus Jones forced a Wade turnover. Butler picked it up and threw it to Jones. With James lurking in the background, expecting a layup, Jones shook the arena and threw down his second-career dunk.
Numbers Game
- Cleveland never led in the game.
- The Wolves dominated the glass, outrebounding Cleveland 56-37.
- Minnesota forced 14 turnovers resulting in 19 points, while the Wolves committed just five turnovers resulting in five points.
- James' 10 points was his lowest mark since Oct. 31, 2007 when he scored 10 against Dallas.
Player of the Game
Butler did a little bit of everything for the Wolves, finishing with 21 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals in just 27 minutes and 20 seconds. He shot an efficient 7-for-13 from the field, 4-for-6 from the 3-point line and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Up Next
The Wolves continue their homestand on Wednesday as they host the Thunder at Target Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN, Fox Sports North and 830 WCCO.