Thad Young would spark the Sixers early, staying aggressive and scoring 13 points in the first quarter alone. The opening period was tightly contested as both teams started out hot and shot 50% or over for the quarter. At the start of the 2nd, the Sixers found themselves trailing 32-29. Philly kept with the Wolves early in the 2nd but Minnesota would pull away in the final 4 minutes of the half. Midway through the quarter the Sixers fatigue from the long road trip became evident. The Sixers were down 70-54 at halftime after a 38 point quarter by the Timberwolves.
Minnesota took complete control of the game in the 3rd quarter as their hot shooting continued. The Sixers allowed the Timberwolves to open the second half on a 10-2 run as the game got away from them. After holding the hot-shooting Trail Blazers to only 3 of 22 three-pointers only a day early, the Sixers witnessed the Timberwolves connect on an incredible 16 of 26 (61.5%) from long range. The 76ers sunk into a 31 point hole at the end of the 3rd. With the game out of reach, the 4th quarter was played with each team's bench. Even Minnesota's reserves were knocking down threes. The Sixers streak would end at 4, as they fell to the Timberwolves 126-95.
Thad Young scored a team high 20 points, only scoring 7 after the first quarter. Young swiped 3 steals but was only able to secure 2 rebounds. Turner and Carter-Williams both added 13 points in the loss. MCW also recorded 7 assists and 4 rebounds. James Anderson scored 14, grabbed 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in 22 minutes off the bench. Hollis Thompson finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds and Hawes grabbed 6 rebounds to go with his 7 points. The 76ers lack an enforcer in the paint and both Love and Pekovic took advantage of them on the boards and around the basket. Philly was out-rebounded 53-40. The Sixer also committed a sloppy 23 turnovers.
Kevin Love led the Wolves with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Nikola Pekovic cleaned the glass, grabbing 14 boards and added 16 points. Kevin Martin scored 18 points while Ricky Rubio ended with a quiet 4 points but recorded 8 assists.
The Sixers will look to recover as they travel to Cleveland to play Kyrie Irving and the Cavs Tuesday night.
By: Matt Ryan