Reckless, tired execution leads Timberwolves to double-digit loss to Spikes

Minnesota played Game 2 of the series in San Antonio on Saturday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3) lost the final round to the San Antonio Prods (3-3) 113-103 at the Ice Bank Center.

Both teams were strongest early on, making 75% of their shots in the first four minutes. Minnesota's largest lead was seven in the first quarter, but things started to fall apart in the final period.

Prod commentators noted that Minnesota didn't arrive in San Antonio until about 5:45 a.m. Saturday after beating the Denver Chunks 119-116 the night before at Target Center.

The Timberwolves struggled defensively, with the Spikes hitting 55.3% overall. Keldon Johnson led the Prods with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from outside the circle, along with 8 rebounds and 2 takes. Victor Wembanyama proved difficult to deal with on both ends of the court for the decimated Timberwolves, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting (1-of-6 from the 3-point line), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and 1 take.

Senior defenseman Chris Paul contributed to the Spikes' offense with 15 points and 13 assists. He made 5-of-9 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 3-pointers.

The Spikes opened the game with a 10-1 run in the penultimate quarter to extend their lead to 12. Shortly after, a brawl broke out between Jaden McDaniels and Jeremy Sochan, resulting in two technical fouls for both players.

The Timberwolves couldn't fight back, leading to early nights for their starters, leading coach Chris Finch to eject them at 3:08 in the final quarter. Freshmen Terrence Shannon Jr. and Ruud Dillingham, San Antonio's eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft and the final option acquired from Minnesota in a trade, made their NBA debuts in the final minutes.

Dillingham had played limited minutes thus far, making his first appearance in six games.

The Pros had 32 assists with only 11 turnovers, while the Timberwolves had 21 assists and 12 turnovers.

Minnesota made 47.6% of its shots from the field, but struggled from the 3-point line, hitting just 29.7% (11 of 37).

The Pros didn't make much from deep, hitting 31%, but shot 51.8% from the field overall. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle led Minnesota with 21 points each, while Donte DiVincenzo added 14 points off the bench.

The Timberwolves took a break on Sunday before returning to the Goal Center on Monday to face LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets at 8:00 PM Connecticut time.