The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their road struggles with a loss to the streaking Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Minnesota Timberwolves 114 Detroit Pistons 131 The Minnesota Timberwolves lost their fourth game in their last five tries after falling apart late in Detroit and allowing the Pistons to win with ease. The Wolves build a 16-point lead in the first half but Detroit went on a run that started with Karl-Anthony Towns resting on the bench and tied the game. A late first-half push from Minnesota gave them a 64-60 lead at the break. But Andre Drummond asserted himself in the third quarter as Towns picked up three quick fouls, giving him four for the game and sending him to the pine with a few minutes left in the third. Detroit quickly built a comfortable lead that ballooned on a seven-point possession early in the fourth quarter. Taj Gibson was called for a flagrant-2 foul while trying to box-out Drummond as the Pistons made a shot. Drummond made the and-one free throw and another free throw following a technical on Ryan Saunders, and then a 3-pointer gave the Pistons a 7-0 run without Minnesota so much as touching the ball. The game was all but over at that point, but Towns still managed to get called for two quick fouls of his own and fouled out in short order. For as great as the Wolves played early, the defensive intensity disappeared entirely in the second half, and the Wolves allowed the Pistons to get physical and push them around. The officiating didn’t help matters, but it was simply a case of the more aggressive team getting the benefit of the doubt when the whistle was blown. KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS Center, Minnesota Timberwolves B This was Karl-Anthony Towns’ worst game in a while. He had 13 points in the first half and was active, getting to the free throw line and touching the ball on offense. But he missed a few easy shots around the rim and fumbled more than a couple passes. It seemed to be a night in which Towns was just slightly off all the way around. He still finished with 24 points (7-14 FG, 3-6 3P, 7-7 FT) but only pulled down four rebounds and chipped in two assists and two blocks, which both came in the opening minute of the game. Towns continues to struggle in matching up with Andre Drummond as well. ANDREW WIGGINS Guard/Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves B+ Andrew Wiggins had a solid game, scoring 18 points on 15 shots to go along with four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. It was a quiet 18 and Andrew faded a bit in the second half, but he wasn’t alone in that regard. Overall, the Wolves will win more games than they lose if Wiggins consistently played like he did on Wednesday. Andrew Wiggins had a solid game, scoring 18 points on 15 shots to go along with four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. It was a quiet 18 and Andrew faded a bit in the second half, but he wasn’t alone in that regard. Overall, the Wolves will win more games than they lose if Wiggins consistently played like he did on Wednesday." > DARIO SARIC Power Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves B- Decent but overall quiet games are becoming the norm for Dario Saric , and that’s unfortunate. He had eight points, seven rebounds, and one assist in 25 minutes while only attempting seven shots from the floor. Detroit is a tough matchup from him, but it would be good to see a bit more out of Saric down the stretch this season. Dario Saric, and that’s unfortunate. He had eight points, seven rebounds, and one assist in 25 minutes while only attempting seven shots from the floor. Detroit is a tough matchup from him, but it would be good to see a bit more out of Saric down the stretch this season." > JEFF TEAGUE Point Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves B Jeff Teague had another decent game, finishing with 15 points (5-10 FG, 2-3 3P, 3-3 FT) and eight assists. He actually looked willing to shoot the ball from beyond the arc, nailing his first two shots from deep before missing one and appearing a bit more tentative the rest of the game. He was overall solid, although his defense against Ish Smith left something to be desired. Jeff Teague had another decent game, finishing with 15 points (5-10 FG, 2-3 3P, 3-3 FT) and eight assists. He actually looked willing to shoot the ball from beyond the arc, nailing his first two shots from deep before missing one and appearing a bit more tentative the rest of the game. He was overall solid, although his defense against Ish Smith left something to be desired." > DERRICK ROSE Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves C Outside of a nice third-quarter burst, this was a quiet game for Derrick Rose , who finished with eight points (4-9 FG, 0-1 3P), two assists and one rebound in only 19 minutes. It’s to be expected somewhat on the second night of a back-to-back, so here’s hoping he is more effective next time out with a bit more rest. Derrick Rose, who finished with eight points (4-9 FG, 0-1 3P), two assists and one rebound in only 19 minutes. It’s to be expected somewhat on the second night of a back-to-back, so here’s hoping he is more effective next time out with a bit more rest." > JOSH OKOGIE Guard/Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves C+ Josh Okogie only played 21 minutes in this game, but even that seems like a high number. Okogie was hardly noticed, attempting only two shots and making them both while only grabbing two rebounds in his time on the court. Josh Okogie only played 21 minutes in this game, but even that seems like a high number. Okogie was hardly noticed, attempting only two shots and making them both while only grabbing two rebounds in his time on the court." ><doc-sep>If you missed tonight’s matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves, you missed 36 minutes of really competitive (and fun!) professional basketball. The other 12 minutes? Um... The Pistons held a 90-88 lead after three quarters, primarily fueled by a 20-2 differential in points off turnovers. The Wolves countered with their two franchise players (Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins), who combined for 39 points on 49% shooting through the first three frames. Jeff Teague added in 15 points and 8 assists during his first 26 minutes. All of that early and efficient production was null and void, as the home team stormed out of the gates early in the fourth quarter, ballooning their lead and never looking back. While connecting on 11 consecutive shots to start the final frame was clearly an innovative strategy for Detroit, it was this egregious flagrant 2 on Taj Gibson just 90 seconds into the fourth quarter that really zapped the life out of the visiting Wolves: Andre Drummond takes exception to this elbow by Taj Gibson. Taj doesn’t believe Drummond is about that life pic.twitter.com/gUJYkyLUhr — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 7, 2019 Alternative angles of the incident show just how absurd the ejection truly was. The officials reviewed the play for what seemed like an entire weekend, ultimately deciding to eject Gibson (a decision that enraged young Ryan Saunders, who earned his first career technical foul — congrats Ryno!). The Wolves’ head coach wasn’t the only one to let his feelings be known about the atrocious call on poor Taj: Flagrant 2? Smh — Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) March 7, 2019 The end result of the entire situation was a 6-point possession for Detroit, which bumped their lead to 15. The final nail in the Wolves back-to-back coffin came just three minutes later, when Towns picked up two (absurd) fouls in six seconds, sending him to the locker room for an early shower as well. The final seven minutes were an absolute blur, and if you stayed tuned in to watch the whole thing, I award you 500 Canis points. So what now? The Wolves have a few days off before hosting the Washington Wizards Saturday night at Target Center. While there’s no official word yet on whether or not Luol Deng and/or Robert Covginton will suit up, it’s the opinion of this blog boy that at least one of them will make their return to help slow down the scorching hot (and eventual Minnesota resident) Bradley Beal. *prayer hands emoji* Full Game Highlights Game Notes Dario Saric had another “meh” performance Wednesday night, finishing the game with 8 points and 7 rebounds in 25 minutes. I’m still a massive believer in Saric being the appropriate fit next to Towns in the front court, primarily due to his ability to make plays, defend, and his overall toughness. With that said, it would be truly refreshing for Dario to string together a handful of strong performances down the stretch to build up his confidence as we look towards the 2019-2020 season. had another “meh” performance Wednesday night, finishing the game with 8 points and 7 rebounds in 25 minutes. I’m still a massive believer in Saric being the appropriate fit next to Towns in the front court, primarily due to his ability to make plays, defend, and his overall toughness. With that said, it would be truly refreshing for Dario to string together a handful of strong performances down the stretch to build up his confidence as we look towards the 2019-2020 season. Andre Drummond , who poured in 31 points and 15 rebounds, banked in a wild three-pointer on a last-second heave to end the first quarter, marking his 10th made three of his career. The basket was also his 2nd career three against Minnesota, meaning that 20% of Drummond ’s career threes have now come against the Timberwolves (because of course they have). , who poured in 31 points and 15 rebounds, banked in a wild three-pointer on a last-second heave to end the first quarter, marking his 10th made three of his career. The basket was also his 2nd career three against Minnesota, meaning that 20% of ’s career threes have now come against the Timberwolves (because of course they have). Tyus Jones finished the night with just one made basket in 20 minutes of play, the third time in four games that Stones has failed to connect on multiple made field goals. As Jim Petersen discussed during the broadcast, it’s imperative that Jones become more of a scoring threat on the offensive end if he wants to maintain (or increase) his role with the team going forward. Tyus does so many things that go unnoticed, but when his defender doesn’t respect his shot, his overall impact is severely negated. finished the night with just one made basket in 20 minutes of play, the third time in four games that Stones has failed to connect on multiple made field goals. As Jim Petersen discussed during the broadcast, it’s imperative that Jones become more of a scoring threat on the offensive end if he wants to maintain (or increase) his role with the team going forward. Tyus does so many things that go unnoticed, but when his defender doesn’t respect his shot, his overall impact is severely negated. If you’re looking for the REAL reason the Wolves lost tonight, look no further than this: FWIW: Former @Timberwolves big man Nikola Pekovic played 10 career games against the @DetroitPistons… and won all 10. The Wolves have not beaten Detroit in 7 subsequent meetings without Pek. — Dave Benz (@tweetdavebenz) March 6, 2019 #BringBackPek<doc-sep>The Wolves jumped out early and eventually extended their lead to 16 over the Pistons in half number one. However, Ish Smith and Luke Kennard ignited a second-quarter rally and got Detroit right back into it by half, trailing 64-60. The third quarter was back and forth, and then the fourth quarter happened — and I’m not sure Detroit missed more than three shots the entire quarter. The Pistons cruised easily to a 41-point final frame, beating the Wolves (for the eighth straight time) 131-114. Detroit has now won 10 of 12 and are now over the .500 mark at 32-31 for what feels like the first time since we were all born. The Pistons bench, led by Kennard’s 21 and Smith’s 19 (8-of-10 shooting), scored 70 points total. First half observations (while I was doing 10 other things) Taj Gibson was on fire, which I didn’t think was actually possible. Seems Taj has been in the league since the 90s. I checked, Taj is only 33. Jeff Teague annoys me for some reason. It’s been years that I’ve thought this. It bugs me that I don’t know what it is that bugs me about him. Nothing against the guy, it’s just an on-court thing. He’s a solid player, but just seems like he goes through the motions. But I know he’s not. Ish just being Ish: Ish Smith with the behind the back crossover! pic.twitter.com/OJ2rHKZDir — Martin (@ImMartinHi) March 7, 2019 3rd quarter observations Fantastic left handed block by Andre on Dario Saric. Then Andre bullied him on offense two straight possessions for buckets. Bruce Brown is really aggravating the Wolves. An extra push here, a swipe at the ball after the play is over there. BRUUCCEEE! Drummond is literally doing everything right (then promptly misses two free throws just after I wrote that). Overall, Dre’s touch tonight is softer than a baby’s tush. Karl-Anthony Towns has a punchable face. Very punchable. Talented player, but his face is punchable. The most punchable (almost). The Pistons will win the game, I feel it. Pistons up 87-82 with over 13 minutes left. The Wolves were on a 6-0 run before Glenn Robinson III hit a three. Yes, Glenn Robinson III hit a three. A corner three. The Pistons will win this game. Through three quarters, Pistons up 90-88. 4th quarter Ish Smith doing Ish things again. He found Robinson III for a dunk. Robinson has 7 points. The Pistons will win th—. In a flash, Taj Gibson was ejected for an elbow to the grill of Drummond and the Pistons hit a bunch of shots and find themselves up 20 with over seven minutes left. Time to sit Griffin and Drummond. Well, pretty close anyway. Jimmy Butler was/is right about Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. I think we all knew he was pretty much right about them. Pistons up 25 with over six minutes left. GET BLAKE AND DRE AND LUKE AND ISH OUT OF THE GAME. Anthony Tolliver deserves to be on a decent NBA basketball team. The Wolves broadcasters are talking about how no team wants to face the Pistons in the first round. I feel it’s easy to fall back and talk about that topic if a lower seeded team is playing good basketball at the right time. If this were the last week of the season, I’d feel more confident about it all. Andre Drummond finished with 31 points, 18 rebounds, two blocks and one banked-in trey. Blake Griffin played just 30 minutes, dished out seven assists and turned the ball over exactly zero times. ***** The Pistons are in Chicago on Friday for an 8pm tip.<doc-sep>Minnesota Timberwolves (30-34) at Detroit Pistons (31-31) FS North 6:00 CST After a strong win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Wolves will be hard-pressed to continue their winning ways against the Detroit Pistons. The Wolves certainly played a great game last night, fueled by Karl-Anthony Towns’ continued domination. However, on the second night of a back-to-back, on the road, without Robert Covington and Luol Deng, and against the surging Pistons, the Wolves have their work cut out for them. The Pistons have had the best record in the NBA over the last 10 games, going 8-2 with a league-best 9.4 net rating. This has been largely fueled by their output on offense, as they hold a league-high 117.4 offensive rating over this time. The Wolves are somehow second in the NBA in offensive rating over this period. I’m not sure how that went unnoticed, perhaps it has something to do with a 2nd worst defensive rating in the same time period. The Pistons have been galvanized by Wayne Ellington, who signed with the Pistons on February 9th off the buyout market. Ellington has added some much-needed long-range marksmanship to the Pistons, launching 7.4 threes per game, making 37 percent of them, in his eight games with the Pistons. As a result, the Pistons have really had the benefit of a rising tide lifting all ships. Reggie Jackson has had more room to operate and run his pick-and-roll game with Andre Drummond, who is killing it now. Blake Griffin has had some of the weight lifted off his shoulders, but is still able to continue serving as the fulcrum of the offense. The Pistons are now tied with the Brooklyn Nets for the 6th seed, something that they will strive to hang onto. A playoff matchup with the Pacers certainly looks a lot more appealing than facing the Raptors. For the Wolves, everything begins and ends with Karl-Anthony Towns. What Towns is doing over the last five game stretch is nothing short of incredible. He has been averaging 36.4 points and 16 rebounds per game, all while dropping dimes and shooting above 60 percent. He has also been getting the advantage on several players that previously gave Towns trouble, such as Steven Adams. Tonight is another opportunity for revenge, as the lumbering Andre Drummond has always been a challenge for Towns to manage. However, if KAT can get Drummond into foul trouble, perhaps he can stall the pick-and-roll system that drives the Pistons. The other interesting matchup tonight will be the power forward spot. Ryan Saunders has been starting Dario Saric and giving him a lot of run, but Saric will have to compete with one of the most complete offensive weapons in the NBA at power forward that is legitimately built like a power forward. Saric is likely better suited to guard players like Griffin compared to teams that put guys like Harrison Barnes or other stretch wings at the four spot, but there is a decent chance that Taj Gibson is direly needed to clamp down on Griffin as much as possible. The Wolves are also going to have to contain Reggie Jackson, who will likely fall to Josh Okogie to guard, with Jeff Teague chasing around Wayne Ellington. Which Andrew Wiggins will appear tonight? He will either have Wayne Ellington of Bruce Brown Jr guarding him. The opportunity is ripe. Projected Starting Lineups Timberwolves Jeff Teague Josh Okogie Andrew Wiggins Dario Saric Karl-Anthony Towns Pistons Reggie Jackson Wayne Ellington Bruce Brown Jr. Blake Griffin Andre Drummon Our blogging friends are over at Detroit Bad Boys. Have fun.<doc-sep>
FAST BREAKDOWN Three quick observations on Wednesday night’s 131-114 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Little Caesars Arena RADICAL 180 – After a sluggish start that verged on disastrous, the Pistons caught up before halftime but could never put any distance between themselves and Minnesota. It took 83 seconds of the fourth quarter for everything to change. A deep Luke Kennard triple opened the quarter, then after Derrick Rose’s runner rimmed out Langston Galloway converted a four-point play seconds later. After another Pistons stop, Ish Smith found Glenn Robinson III cutting for a dunk. Suddenly a two-point Pistons lead had swelled to 11. Minnesota’s frustration bubbled over as Taj Gibson got ejected for a flagrant-2 chop to Andre Drummond’s neck that resulted in a seven-point Pistons possession: Smith’s basket as the foul was in process, two free throws for a Minnesota technical foul and the flagrant, plus a Thon Maker triple as the Pistons kept possession due to the flagrant-2. In the first 3:35 of the fourth quarter, the Pistons outscored Minnesota 23-5 to take a 20-point lead. Drummond, who registered his 16th straight double-double, had 14 points and six rebounds in a superb third quarter and finished with 31 points and 15 rebounds. Smith and Kennard helped get a game that started off very poorly turned around in the second quarter, especially capitalizing off of Minnesota turnovers. The Pistons held a 16-0 edge in first-half points off turnovers to get back in the game after falling behind by double digits early. A 25-10 run after the Pistons trailed 45-32 gave them their first lead late in the second quarter. Smith was superb in finishing with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists on 8 of 10 shooting in 27 minutes. Minnesota, coming off of a Tuesday home win over Oklahoma City in which Karl-Anthony Towns scored 41 points, caught the Pistons on their heels to start the game in grabbing a 16-point lead before the first quarter was over. But the Pistons won going away, their eighth straight win over Minnesota. The Pistons have won 10 of 12 and, at 32-31, are over .500 for the first time since beating Minnesota in December. NO ZAZA – With Zaza Pachulia missing the game with right Achilles inflammation, something that’s bothered him for a while now, you might have expected Jon Leuer to be next man up. But Dwane Casey instead moved Thon Maker to center with the second unit and went to Glenn Robinson III at power forward where he mostly matched up against ex-Pistons 3-point specialist Anthony Tolliver. Casey didn’t use Maker at center for long, though, because he played Drummond the whole first and third quarters and then rushed him back into the game early in the second and fourth quarters when Minnesota got starting center Karl-Anthony Towns back in the game. Maker hit 4 of 6 shots and had 10 points, two rebounds and two assists in 14 minutes. Robinson hit a corner three to put the Pistons ahead 90-88 at the end of three quarters and finished with seven points and four rebounds in 13 minutes. KENNARD KEEPS IT UP – There were plenty of reasons the Pistons went 9-2 over their previous 11 games to get back to .500, but perhaps no single bigger factor than the fact they ranked No. 1 in 3-point shooting over that time after ranking No. 30 through the end of January. Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard were the two hottest shooters, Jackson hitting .485 from the arc on six 3-point attempts per game and Kennard .484 on 5.6 attempts. Kennard missed his first three shots, two of them from the 3-point arc, but he scored 13 first-half points and was at the center of the Pistons’ second-quarter rally. He hit 5 of 7 shots, including his only 3-point attempt of the quarter, both of his free throws and had two assists plus two rebounds. He finished with 21 points, hitting 8 of 16 overall and 3 of 7 from the 3-point arc in 29 minutes. Jackson played just 20 minutes, in part because Ish Smith got extended minutes in one of his best outings of the season and also because there was no need to bring Jackson back in the fourth quarter with the Pistons leading by 20-plus after the first three minutes. Jackson shot just five times, hitting 1 of 2 from the 3-point arc, and had five assists.