The Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers entered this game after both suffering a brutal loss in their previous game. The Timberwolves fell to the Boston Celtics in a narrow overtime matchup, while the Trail Blazers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder by 62. Brutal for different reasons, but brutal, nonetheless. As this game tipped off, it looked like Portland was in for another long night as they rounded out their 7-game road trip.
From the start, the Timberwolves got whatever shot they wanted as they racked up a 36-15 lead in the first quarter with an effective field goal rate of 71.