Timberwolves vs. Pacers: Kevin Love Stays Strong but Minnesota Falls in Indiana
The 13-39 Timberwolves squad came into Indiana and held its own against Danny Granger and the Pacers. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Indiana’s bench crew came into the fourth and won the game 116-105. Kevin Love led the Wolves with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
Love strung together his 39th consecutive double-double game, making it the longest streak in the NBA since Moses Malone. Malone went 44 games during the 1982-83 season.
Nikola Pekovich followed behind Love with 15 points. Although the big man is serving as a replacement for Darko Milicic (strained hip flexor), one wonders if Pekovich will earn a starting position.
Other Minnesota players have stepped up as well in the absence of Michael Beasley and Luke Ridnour. Wayne Ellington added 14 points and 3 assists. Despite being unnoticeable for most of the season, rookie Lazar Hayward tallied 14 points in 26 minutes of play.
On the opposing side of the floor, Indiana’s reserves delivered an impressive performance as well. Six members of the Pacers lineup scored at least 10 points, including three players off the bench.
“That second unit that came in to start the fourth — that’s one of the things we talked about the most: to come in and bring aggression and intensity,” said guard A.J. Price. “That turned the game for us.”
Reserve Dahntay Jones scored 19 points to help the Pacers to their come-from-behind victory. “That’s what our second unit’s responsibility is — to play scrappy, to play defense,” he commented. “We just have to show we want the game more than the other team.”
The Timberwolves hope to have Beasley back soon. Beasley, sidelined with a left ankle sprain, will hopefully add the extra boost needed to carry Minnesota for the win in these close contests. The Wolves return to Minneapolis for a three-game run at home. They welcome Philly on Saturday night for a 7 PM tip off.
