NBA Recap: Kevin Love helps the Minnesota Timberwolves defeat the Detroit Pistons 116-105
Kevin Love’s impressive 20 points and 20 rebounds, his record 48th consecutive double-double, led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 116-105 win over the Detroit Pistons in an exhilarating contest on Wednesday night at
Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit.
Pistons’ Austin Davis scored game high 22 points, but even he could not save the game for his team. Greg Monroe added 18 points with 11 rebounds while Charlie Villanueva gathered 13 points for the Pistons.
Minnesota’s Coach Kurt Rambis stated on this victory, “I was really happy with our effort and energy tonight, I thought our second unit played very well together, which helped us a lot”.
Anthony Randolph got good playing for the first time in his stint with the Wolves and ensured that he made a mark. Randolph pinned 19 points and 10 rebounds after coming off the bench and showed his best performance since coming
into Minnesota. He was acquired by the Timberwolves in the Carmelo Anthony deal last week. Jonny Flynn added eight points and a career high 14 assists, Lazar Hayward gathered 16 while Luke Ridnour posted 15 points in Timberwolves victory.
Timberwolves first five starters included Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic, Luke Ridnour, and Wesley Johnson while Pistons’ starting roster included Chris Wilcox, Austin Daye, Greg Monroe, Ben Gordon, and Rodney Stuckey.
Kevin Love scored the opening points, making a 22 foot jump shot for the Timberwolves and Pistons Rodney Stuckey levelled the score in first minute of the game. Timberwolves’ Luke Ridnour played a major role scoring eight points
in the first quarter, but Pistons consistent attack helped them grab the lead in first quarter with 32-30.
Timberwolves however dominated the second and went ahead at the end of the first half, 63-61. The third quarter saw the Timberwolves stretch their lead to four points, courtesy and eight points run without reply to end the frame,
89-85. The final quarter proved to be a one way traffic. Timberwolves reeled off to a 14-2 run early and marched forward with a comprehensive victory over the Pistons.
Pistons head Coach John Kuester looked extremely disappointed and spoke after the game, “Any time you score 105 points, that should be enough points to get a victory, but we have to make more of a commitment every day and change
the culture of our thinking defensively. Just making sure that we defend people”.
Mark Ayotte, Marat Kogut, and Dan Crawford officiated the game in front of 13,122 spectators.
Timberwolves claimed its first road victory since February 8th. They will be facing Philadelphia 76ers on Friday while standing at the bottom in Western Conference with only 14 wins this season so far.
Detroit Pistons will game up against Washington Wizards on Sunday. Pistons’ are 11th in Eastern Conference overall current standings.
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