At 21-21 and Ricky Rubio-less, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have a tough go at making the playoffs in the very deep Western Conference. However, if the bench steps up like it has tonight in Phoenix, they may be alright. After 24 minutes, the Timberwolves have a seven-point lead, 63-56.
Three Timberwolves off the bench are in double figures. Michael Beasley has 15 points while Wayne Ellington and Derrick Williams each have 12 points. The three are shooting a combined 15-for-21 from the field. Starter Nikola Pekovic leads all scorers with 16 points.
The Timberwolves were almost without Kevin Love, who left the shootaround earlier today with ice packs on his back and reported back spasms. Love hasn't been the same in the first half, shooting 3-for-9, but he still has seven points and four rebounds.
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