Portland Trail Blazers defeat Minnesota Timberwolves 95-81
Enthusiasm, shrewdness and athleticism all served the Portland Trail Blazers well in a 95-81 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Monday night. It was Portland’s fifth straight victory, and their fourth straight on the road. In
addition, the Trail Blazers have now won 16 consecutive games against Minnesota.
Playing in place of the injured Brandon Roy, Blazers guard Wesley Matthews played an effective game as he scored 23 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out a pair of assists in the victory. Dante Cunningham had career highs with 18 points and 13 rebounds
for the Blazers, who won their 31st game of the 2010-11 season.
Rudy Fernandez also scored 18 points off the bench for Portland, who have now improved to 31-24 during this season. Minnesota were sloppy from start to finish as they got just one point and no rebounds or assists from starters Jonny Flynn, Corey Brewer,
and Wesley Johnson combined.
Martell Webster came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points for the Wolves, who have dropped to 13-42 during the current season. Luke Ridnour had 16 points while Darko Milicic ended with 15 points for Minnesota, who have lost three straight games.
Kevin Love contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost 12 of their last 15 games. Love also tallied his 50th double-double of the season and is now the only other player to have 50 double-doubles before the All-Star break after
George Mikan.
Match Analysis
After the narrow win against the Detroit Pistons in their last game, Portland were looking to continue their good run on the road. Fortunately, the Blazers passed the test with flying colors.
The Blazers walked into the Target Center and opened the contest with an 18-2 run to establish an early double-digit lead. The Wolves played sloppy basketball, providing Portland with an opportunity to take a 14-29 lead in to the second. The Timberwolves
fought hard to make the score a respectable one, outscoring Portland 34-27 in the second quarter to cut the deficit to just eight points at half time.
The Blazers got it going offensively early in the third quarter, as they controlled the game and limited turnovers. Minnesota answered with a pair of free throws to cut the deficit but Portland maintained the pressure to take a 77-61 lead into the final
stanza.
Leading by 16 points after three quarters, the Trail Blazers held a double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter to seal the victory at 95-81.
Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis was critical of his team after the game. He said, "Overall, you can't shoot as poorly as we did, turn the ball over and give up as many points as we did and allow as many second chance points and expect to give yourself a chance
to win. Overall, our whole game just wasn't there."
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