Rockets Defeat Timberwolves, 142-130

The Houston Rockets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 142-130, at Toyota
Center on Saturday. Three-point shooting has become customary in this new style
of NBA, but the Rockets continue to fire at an unbelievable pace. In this game,
Houston went 22-of-58 from three-point range, while the Timberwolves went just
9-of-26. Minnesota dominated the rebounding though, winning that battle, 58-31.
Houston abused the assist-to-turnover ratio, recording four more assists and 10
less turnovers than Minnesota. This was a wire-to-wire win for the Rockets, as
they led by at least seven points for the final 20 minutes. The Timberwolves
(23-36) had beat two playoff contenders in their last two games, but this was a
tough task against a potent Houston offense. Karl-Anthony Towns was a beast in
the loss, as he led the team with 37 points and 22 rebounds on 16-of-24 from the
field. Andrew Wiggins wasn’t far behind, as he tallied 30 points and three
steals. Gorgui Dieng finished third on the team, totaling 16 points, 13 rebounds
and three steals on 7-of-10 shooting. Ricky Rubio accrued 14 points and 11
assists, but did commit six turnovers. The Rockets (42-18) have now won six of
their last seven games, as they continue to fire up three’s at will. James
Harden led the way for Houston, as he accumulated 24 points, five rebounds and
10 assists. Ryan Anderson was second among starters, finishing with 18 points,
two rebounds and three assists. Clint Capela started and amassed 16 points and
nine rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting. All five starters scored at least 15 points.
Eric Gordon and Lou Williams came off the bench to combine for 31 points, six
assists and five steals. Both teams return to action on Monday, as the Rockets
host the Indiana Pacers and the Minnesota Timberwolves play the Sacramento Kings
on the road.