Hornets at Timberwolves
The debut of D'Angelo Russell saw some mixed results for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will try to get their first win with the star guard when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Russell scored 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting in an exciting matchup with the red-hot Toronto Raptors on Monday, but his team fell 137-126.
"It was great," Russell, who was traded from Golden State prior to last week's deadline, told reporters. "Super excited about this group." Minnesota led the contest midway through the third quarter before ultimately falling for the 14th time in its last 15 games. The Hornets had been on a similar slide with setbacks in 19 of 22 before upending Detroit 87-76 on Monday. Miles Bridges scored 18 points in the victory as Charlotte ended a seven-game road losing streak.
TIME: 8 p.m. ET. TV: FS Southeast, FS North
ABOUT THE HORNETS (17-36): Charlotte shot 37.5 percent from the floor at Detroit but it forced 21 turnovers and held the Pistons under 80 points for the first time this season. "Obviously, we've had moments where we can't throw it in the ocean - shooting 37 percent isn't where we want to be - but we kept digging in and getting stops," coach James Borrego told the media. "I think we showed pride in our defense tonight." Devonte' Graham had 14 points and 11 assists for his 16th double-double.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (16-36): Russell had six of Minnesota's 23 turnovers, which are a recipe for disaster against a Toronto team that has won 15 in a row. "Your turnovers are as good as 2s and 3s for them, the way they push the ball and the way they can score in the open court," coach Ryan Saunders told reporters. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double in as many games this month.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. This marks the final game before the All-Star break for both teams.
2. Hornets SG Malik Monk is averaging 16.4 points over his last nine games to raise his season average to 9.6.
3. Towns had 37 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists and four steals in a 121-99 win at Charlotte on Oct. 25.