Timberwolves comeback falls short vs Bobcats

The impressive 4th quarter play of the Minnesota Timberwolves fell just short against the visiting Charlotte Bobcats despite the Wolves going on a 16-4 run to end the game. It was an overall poor effort by the Timberwolves as they lost a close one 89-87 as 2nd-yrear point guard Kemba Walker drained a 2-point step-back with .o7 seconds. It was a deficient shooting night for the Wolves from both the field and the free-throw line. With an overall team shooting percentage of 38.3% (31 of 81) and a free-throw percentage of 54.7% (20 of 37)  the Timberwolves didn’t make it easy for themselves. If the Timberwolves shot there normal 75% from the free-throw line they, theoretically, would have won by 6 points. A game that was thought to be a win for the Wolves turned out to be a tough struggle as they fall to 5-3 and remain .5 games back in the Northwest Division. In Minnesota’s defense they were missing key players including: Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, J.J. Barea, Chase Budinger, Brandon Roy, and Nikola Pekovic all being sidelined for the game. To make matters worse, second-year guard Malcolm Lee left in the 4th quarter due to cramps.

Andre Kirilenko stepped up for the depleted Wolves finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds on 9 of 12 shooting. Luke Ridnour struggled with his 3-point shot making only 1 of 6 attempts and Derrick Williams woes continue to get worse on a 3 for 12 shooting performance.

On the Bobcats it was Kemba Walker leading the way with 22 points, including his last second go-ahead bucket for the win. Making 9 of his 19 shots and dishing out 5 assists. His great offensive movement was too much for the Wolves to handle. Bryon Mullens was a big force on the glass grabbing 15 total rebounds including 4 offensive. He also had himself 12 points on 5 of 12 shooting and 4 blocks.

The Minnesota Timberwolves need to put this one behind them and look ahead to finish their 3 game home stretch against the Golden State Warriors (Nov. 16) and the Denver Nuggets (Nov. 21). Both are games in which they should see the return of both Nikola Pekovic, Brandon Roy, and JJ Barea.