Wolves record: 10-38
From Phil Miller/NBA.com:
The Timberwolves, who had lost their last three games by a combined 74 points, snapped a five-game losing streak with a 111-97 victory. “We needed to put Wednesday’s loss (a 103-87 loss at the hands of four-win New Jersey) behind us and come out the right way.”
Maybe somebody wasn’t paying attention in the Clippers’ meeting, because Los Angeles, which has lost 11 of its last 12 road games, allowed Minnesota to score the game’s first nine points, romp to a 19-5 lead in the first seven minutes, and eventually open a 23-point margin — the Wolves’ largest of the season.
The new beginning featured a revamped lineup that turned reserve center Ryan Hollins into a key component of the Wolves’ offense and defense. Hollins, making his first start since Nov. 14, matched his career high with 19 points and played all but 90 seconds of the fourth quarter to help the Wolves snap a five-game losing streak with a 111-97 victory over the Clippers before a crowd of 13,398.
“It’s totally different for me being out there as a starter,” Hollins said. “I got a chance to get my confidence going early.”
The Wolves gave up an average of 123 points in their past three games — with an average margin of defeat of 25 points. Alarmed by the backsliding, Wolves coach Kurt Rambis changed his starting lineup, sending Kevin Love and Damien Wilkins to the bench in favor of Hollins and Ryan Gomes.
Six Wolves players — including all five starters — scored in double figures, led by Corey Brewer’s 20 points. Hollins and Jonny Flynn each scored 19. Afterward, Rambis praised Flynn’s point-guard guidance, calling the rookie “exceptional” during the Wolves’ fast start.
“We came into the locker room with a different mentality today. It was really locked in and focused on watching the Clippers before the game. We were really locked in; it was a different locker room,” Flynn said.
Off the bench, Love seemed unaffected by the move, recording his 20th double-double of the year in only 28 games. Love’s 13 points was one of six Wolves to reach double figures in a joyful evening for Minnesota.
“Coach has been toying with the starting lineup a little bit but tonight worked. Hopefully it will work again on Sunday,” Love added.