Another third quarter disaster awaited the Sacramento Kings tonight as they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-96.
The Kings were coming off of a 99-92 win vs Phoenix, while the Timberwolves lost their last game to Philadelphia 118-112. The Kings started the game shooting well, keeping pace with Minnesota’s big three of Towns, Wiggins, and Butler. They ended the first quarter down 32-22. De’Aaron Fox was injured late in the first following a collision with Towns going for a loose ball. He did not return with a Lower Quad Contusion.
Sacramento’s offense struggled in the 2nd half allowing 8 turnovers in the first two quarters and shooting only 47.5%. Minnesota started to get into their rhythm as Wiggins, Butler, and Taj Gibson stepped up, entering halftime up 64-55. They shot 64.1% in the half, including going 6 of 7 from downtown.
Another 3rd quarter capitulation put the Kings in a big hole to star the second half. The Timberwolves outscored Sacramento 31-16 as the Kings shooting percentage slumped to 40%. The game got no better for the Kings as coach Tom Thibodeau left his starters in deep into the game.
Towns was undisputedly the man of the night, recording 30 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks. There was no hope for the Kings as they lost 119-96 George Hill led the Kings in scoring with 16 while Zach Randolph contributed 9 rebounds. The Kings next game will be Saturday as they face a rematch with Toronto.
