The Minnesota Timberwolves were able to hang with the Orlando Magic off and on during Monday night's game on NBA TV, but Kevin Love and friends were never able to capitalize on the momentum shifts. That led to a road loss, unfortunately, as the Wolves dropped a 102-89 decision to Dwight Howard and Co. at the Amway Center.
Love led the Wolves with 19 points and 15 rebounds, five on the offensive end, but it wasn't enough as the Magic took care of the ball and played the game at the pace they wanted to play. Nikola Pekovic was a bright spot once again, however, scoring 16 points and grabbing 13 boards while putting Dwight Howard in foul trouble early.
Howard was still a factor in limited minutes, however, as he grabbed seven rebounds and scored 11 points -- though the majority of his production came against Darko Milicic s opposed to Big Pek.
The Magic turned the ball over nine times compared to the Timberwolves 18 giveaways, but their three-point shooting was key as well. Four of their five starters hit at least two shots from beyond the arc while J.J. Redick had a pair, too -- one of which was a dagger late in the game, ending the Wolves last comeback attempt.
On the downside for Minnesota, J.J. Barea and Ricky Rubio combined to turn the ball over 12 times compared to compiling just nine assists. Michael Beasley couldn't get it going, either, as he shot just 2-of-8 from beyond the arc on his way to 13 points.
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