The Minnesota Timberwolves home opener showcased some new rookie talent and it proved to be the veterans that came up big for the T-Wolves. It was a 15 point blowout until a late Detroit Pistons surge made the game a little more interesting in the fourth quarter.
Thaddeus Young scored 19 points and hit a big 3-pointer with 1:30 to play in the fourth quarter to help the T-wolves to victory. Nikola Pekovic had 17 points and 10 rebounds but struggled early against the bigger, stronger Andre Drummond and Ricky Rubio added 11 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds for the Timberwolves in their home opener.
Caron Butler scored 24 points, all in the second half and D.J. Augustin had 20 points and 6 assists for the Detroit Pistons. Caron Butler played a terrific game though for the Pistons scoring 12 straight to start the fourth quarter and cut Minnesota’s lead to 80-74.
Detroit now has opened the season with two straight losses on the road under first-year coach Stan Van Gundy. Andre Drummond had 11 points and 12 rebounds, but he was limited in the second half by foul trouble and the Timberwolves held off a late charge from Butler and the Pistons.
Full Highlights from ESPN.com below
