The Blazers were led by LaMarcus Aldridge (21 points, 6 rebounds), Mo Williams (16 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds), Wesley Matthews (18 points, 6 rebounds), Robin Lopez (15 points, 10 rebounds), Damian Lillard (14 points, 5 assists), and Nicolas Batum (13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists).
First Quarter: The Timberwolves had a quarter to dream of. They hit four three-pointers, they got fouls whenever they wanted. Rubio even burned Lillard for a layup. The Blazers missed all five three-pointers. It was everything the Wolves could want in a quarter. And they only had a two point lead when it ended.
Minnesota 29, Portland 27
Good run by the bench so far. I hope that signals a growing trend. T-Rob and McCollum are getting more and more comfortable, so it very well might.
by Corwin71
Second Quarter: Portland's bench jumped on the Wolves as the second quarter opened, pulling ahead by 5, then 10. As the starters returned, Aldridge ended up in foul trouble and Minnesota fought back, cutting the lead back to 5. But despite ending the quarter 1-10, Portland maintained control with their inside play, and outscored the Wolves by 9 in the quarter.
Portland 65, Minnesota 57.
"Blazers rely heavily on three point shooting." Blazers score 65 in a half while hitting 1 three pointer.
by jnewhouse
Third Quarter: Another quarter of struggling for Portland. Minnesota rebounded well, and held the Blazers to just one shot attempt. When the shots stopped falling, the Blazers' lead melted away. As always, Kevin Martin burned the Blazers for three after three, and the Wolves took the lead in the second half of the quarter. But Mo Williams had another nice stretch, combining with Aldridge to keep tenuous control of the game.
Portland 87, Minnesota 81
Mo Williams has bailed us out of this game twice now
by Tyler Durrden
Fourth Quarter: Again the Blazer bench helped keep their team ahead, but a few well-timed flops kept Minnesota close. Mo Williams again took control, and forced a Minnesota timeout, down 9. Rookie CJ McCollum had another nice run, and Aldridge and Love returned when the Blazer lead reached 11. Aldridge and Lillard quickly took over, and suddenly the lead was 17 at the halfway point. 5 quick points kept Minnesota close, and when Kevin Martin hit a jumper to cut the lead to 10, Portland called timeout with 3 minutes left. But Portland easily held on.
What's Next:
Out of the frying pan, into the fire, as the Blazers travel to Oakland for a 6pm game with the Golden State Warriors tomorrow night. I'm sure both teams remember the last game.
Meanwhile, stay tuned tonight for Dave's Analysis and Ben's Media Row Report.
Gameday Thread Comments of the Night:
Thanks to everyone who participated in tonight's Gameday Thread! As always, here are the most popular comments, based on the number of Rec's from their fellow fans: