Timberwolves 93, Pistons 85
Kevin Love collected 20 points and 17 rebounds and rookie Ricky Rubio added nine points, eight assists, seven rebounds and six steals as the Minnesota Timberwolves used a strong fourth quarter to overtake the visiting Detroit Pistons in a 93-85 victory on Wednesday.
Wesley Johnson, Anthony Tolliver and Nikola Pekovic added 11 points apiece for the Timberwolves, who outscored the Pistons 29-14 in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota built plenty of early leads last season only to have them disappear when the fourth quarter rolled around. This season, under new coach Rick Adelman, has been a different story.
The Timberwolves shot just 29 percent (13 of 45) from the floor in the first half but came out strong after the break, trading baskets with the Pistons in the third as the offense rounded into form.
In the fourth quarter, Minnesota brought the offense and defense at the same time, using a 10-2 run at the start of the period to take a lead. Love’s jumper with 5:58 left gave the Timberwolves the edge for good, 81-79.
Rubio, who went scoreless in the first half, did his damage on defense down the stretch, grabbing two steals and taking a charge in the final minutes to keep Minnesota clear.
Tayshaun Prince scored 29 points to lead Detroit.