NBA scores: Timberwolves end losing streak with weekend win over Suns

The Minnesota Timberwolves rebounded nicely from a two-loss week with a weekend victory over the Phoenix Suns, 111-107.

Saturday, Dec. 29

Minnesota Timberwolves 111, Phoenix Suns 107

With Ricky Rubio out with back spasms, the Minnesota Timberwolves were forced to rely on their inside game on Saturday against the Suns. Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic answered the call.

Love scored 23 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, while Pekovic scored 28 points and added 11 rebounds of his own. Andrei Kirilenko also contributed with 20 points and five rebounds. Alexey Shved stepped up from the guard position in place of the injured Rubio. Shved recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. J.J. Barea scored 10 points and had five assists in 27 minutes off the bench.

Defensively, the Timberwolves struggled against Luis Scola, who torched Minnesota for 33 points and 10 rebounds, but Scola's effort was not enough to overcome Minnesota's inside attack. The Timberwolves moved to 14-13 on the season with the victory.