The Minnesota Timberwolves came into this game on a 5 game-winning streak. The Hornets were without some of their key players Hayward, Ball, and Martin. It was the Timberwolves that came out excelling at all phases of the game in this one as Anthony Edwards led the way. Early in the game, it seemed as though Edwards was on pace for a huge night as he started out with 12 points and was getting to the basket with ease. Edwards was also opening things up as the Hornets had no answer for him with McDaniels and Oubre trying to stop him. The Hornets did make the proper adjustments as the game went on as they were able to double-team Anthony Edwards and make it tough on the young star. Anthony Edwards finished the game with 25 points to lead the Timberwolves in scoring but it was a little too late when he got it going again in that second half. Towns/Gobert finished with a combined 36 points, 6 assists, and 21 rebounds for the game as the twin towers were dominant.

The only thing that really caused the Timberwolves to lose this game overall was the turnovers (16) as they were in costly moments of the game. Every time the Timberwolves turned the ball over it seemed like it started a fast break for the Hornets where they were able to get something with the Timberwolves backpedaling back on defense. The other reason why the Timberwolves dropped this one to the Hornets was the rushed shots and lack of makes from the 3-point line tonight. The Timberwolves shot 9/41 from 3-point land and they lived by the 3 and died by the 3 tonight. We would be talking about something totally different if the Timberwolves even hit half of those 3 pointers but that’s how the game works. Towns and McDaniels struggled on the perimeter tonight with their shots but this won’t happen on a daily as the Timberwolves will bounce back.

The Hornets made it tough on the Timberwolves when it came to hustling plays and making some great plays rebounding the ball in the late stretch of the game. It was because of the scoring ability of Kelly Oubre Jr. that the Hornets won this game. Oubre Jr made some tough shots that were well contested by McDaniels and Edwards that you just had to tip your hat to him. On the night Kelly Oubre Jr finished with 28 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds as he was the catalyst for the win and helped put a stop to the Timberwolves’ winning streak. James Bouknight and Jalen McDaniels had made some great plays on both the offensive and defensive end as well to keep them in the game. Terry Rozier wasn’t his usual self, especially with Russell guarding him but was able to get some huge buckets in that 2nd half. Kai Jones was another player that made it tough on the Timberwolves with his hustle, grit, and hops. Jones was all over the place and was dunking left and right on the defense. Minnesota has a date with the defending champs the Golden State Warriors on Sunday and will be looking to get back in the winning column ASAP at home.

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