The Minnesota Timberwolves shot just 16 percent (3-for-19) from 3-point range in a 92-81 loss to the Chicago Bulls Friday.
The injury-riddled Minnesota frontcourt played well. The team played without injured star Kevin Love and starting center Nikola Pekovic. Greg Stiemsma and Dante Cunningham stepped into the lineup and combined for 21 points (9-for-17 shooting), 10 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Forward Andrei Kirilenko added 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting.
Minnesota's perimeter players struggled, though. J.J. Barea, Derrick Williams and Brandon Roy were a combined 5-for-19. Rookie Alexey Shved shot 2-for-11, including 0-for-6 from 3-point range off the bench.
The Bulls were led 50-35 at halftime. Minnesota struggled to guard Chicago's power forwards, Carlos Boozer and Taj Gibson. Boozer scored 24 points (10-for-17 shooting) with nine rebounds and four assists. Gibson came in off the bench and scored 12 points (4-for-8 shooting) with 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.
The Timberwolves are 2-2 in the preseason. Chicago improves to 3-2.