Mike D’Antoni didn’t like the way his Lakers started against the Timberwolves. (GETTY IMAGES)
The Minnesota Timberwolves scored a season-high 47 points in the first quarter on their way to easy 113-90 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Sunday night.
The Timberwolves made 76.3% of their field goals in the first quarter. They were on fire and it seemed like all their 3-pointers were falling in the basket. For the game, they converted 50% (10-of-20) of their 3-pointers. In contrast, the Lakers made just 38.5% (10-of-26).
“We came out soft,” Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said during his postgame press conference. “They made tough shots, there wasn’t enough intensity on defense. Sometimes, we don’t have enough speed on the floor.”
Steve Blake led the Lakers with 19 points (7-of-11 shooting) and seven assists.
“They made a number of shots with guys in their face,” he told Time Warner Cable SportsNet’s John Ireland, “so you have to give them some credit.”
Kevin Martin scored a game-high 27 points; Kevin Love added 25 points and 13 rebounds; Corey Brewer scored 17 points, swiped four steals and blocked two shots; Nikola Pekoic poured in 14 points and snagged 10 rebounds, and Ricky Rubio had an amazing game with 12 points, 14 assists, 10 rebounds and five steals.
Jodie Meeks added 16 points (6-of-10 shooting) and Pau Gasol chipped in with 11 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and four assists. Steve Nash played just 13 minutes before leaving with a back injury.
Darren Jacks is a regular contributor to OneManFastBreak.net. Follow him on Twitter @djroxalot.