TITLE: Cavaliers’ 21st lineup change falters in 131-122 road loss to Timberwolves
SLUG: cavaliers-21st-lineup-loss-to-timberwolves
CONTENT:
The Cleveland Cavaliers tried a new look on Thursday night and paid for it, falling 131-122 to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson unveiled his 21st different starting five of the season, inserting Craig Porter Jr. for the injured Dean Wade (knee). The move was intended to balance second-quarter rotations, but Minnesota seized control immediately, scoring on its first seven possessions and building a nine-point advantage in under five minutes.
Once Cleveland’s substitutions settled, the visitors responded. From the middle of the opening period through halftime, the Cavaliers outscored the Timberwolves by 13 and entered the break ahead 63-59.
The momentum disappeared after intermission. Minnesota opened the third quarter with nine straight points, took the lead for good and won the period 38-17 to create decisive separation.
Cleveland trimmed the deficit to four late in the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback. The Cavaliers’ starters were outscored by 19 in just under 10 minutes together; in the remaining 38-plus minutes, Cleveland held an overall edge.
By the numbers
Donovan Mitchell posted 30 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Evan Mobley added 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Darius Garland finished with 16 points and eight assists.
For Minnesota (25-13), a front line featuring Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels set the tone as the Timberwolves exploited size and physicality at both ends.
Cleveland (21-18) will get a quick chance at redemption when the two teams meet again Saturday afternoon at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Source: Hoops Wire
