Detroit Pistons Hand The Timberwolves Their 1st Loss Of 2023 (135-118)

The Timberwolves were 4-0 in the New Year up until tonight. It’s crazy because the last loss they had was NYE against these same Detroit Pistons. The last time these teams met the Pistons didn’t play Noel or Hayes. Both of those players were active and ready to go for the Pistons this time. The Timberwolves were without Kyle Anderson tonight with an illness.

It was one of those games where the defense wasn’t all there tonight. Both teams scored over 115 points in a high-octane offensive display. The Pistons had it going early and the player that really sparked their performance tonight was Saddiq Bey who had a game-high 31 points, 1 assist, and 6 rebounds. Bey was hitting some tough shots all night and was able to play with an energy that wasn’t matched tonight. Bey was attacking the inside and outside. When Bey plays with that confidence he did tonight it would be tough to beat him 1 on 1. The Pistons punched the Timberwolves in the mouth tonight as they had a 23-point lead at one point. The 30 team assists to make a lot of sense as that ball was moving as Coach Casey has his team playing inspired ball. Bogdanovic was able to add 27 points on the night and was looking really good on the outside. He’s one of those players that can create his own shot and he made the Timberwolves pay. Hami Diallo scored 18 points in this game and made it tough on the Timberwolves’ interior defense.

The Timberwolves’ only bright spot in this game tonight was D’Angelo Russell. Time and time again the man continues to prove that he has ice in his veins and is ready for a moment. DLo was the second leading scorer tonight behind Edwards as he dropped 19 points. Tonight he just wasn’t able to make enough plays as the Timberwolves lost. Anthony Edwards was questionable to come in tonight and he played then left and came back again. Edwards finished with 20 points tonight but it seems that a rest day is in order for Edwards as the Timberwolves have Phoneix coming into town on Friday.

Photo Credit: (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)