Video Recap: Timberwolves Upset Blazers, 110-109

The Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves played down to the final minutes Monday night, but the Blazers just couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s offensive power as they fell 110-109.

Behind Wiggins and Towns, Minnesota stayed close to Portland through the first half. They might have maintained a halftime lead, but the Blazers went to a small-ball lineup with Al-Farouq Aminu at center, and they went on a late run to take a small halftime lead. Unfortunately, the lead didn’t last long. The Timberwolves’ size caused problems for the Blazers, who struggled to keep up. Minnesota outscored Portland by 11 in the third to take a 3 point lead into the fourth.

Minnesota continued their game plan into the fourth quarter, as the Blazers kept the game close, but couldn’t stay in the lead for long. Lillard hit a three-pointer with less than three minutes left to cut the deficit to 1. But Wiggins’ jumper put Minny ahead by 3 again. With a minute left, their lead was up to 5. Lillard hit a three, but Portland’s defense fell apart at the other end, giving up a dunk to fall behind by 4 with 35 seconds left. Portland quickly went to the free throw line. Allen Crabbe missed the second... and Aminu was waiting to tip the ball in, to pull the Blazers within 1. With the game on the line, the Wolves ran down the clock, got blocked, and tossed up a terrible desperation three. With five seconds remaining, Portland got the ball back with a chance to win the game. They went to Lillard, who got a floater at the elbow... but missed. Minnesota left with a surprise victory.

The Blazers were led by Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Aminu, and Moe Harkless.

Box Score

It wasn’t all bad news today, though.

A look back at today’s big awards:

Damian Lillard Named Western Conference Player of the Month

Terry Stotts Named Western Conference Coach of the Month

Highlights

What’s Next

The Blazers fly to Utah, where they play the Jazz Tuesday night. Stay tuned this evening, Dave Deckard will have more analysis of today’s game.