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Love etches name into record books as T-Wolves beat Pacers

Mar 10, 2011 - 7:16 AM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Kevin Love surpassed Moses Malone for the most consecutive double-doubles in the post-merger era, totaling 16 points and 21 rebounds as Minnesota earned a rare lopsided win, 101-75, over the skidding Indiana Pacers.

Despite battling swelling in his left knee, Love notched his 52nd straight double-double to break Malone's mark set more than 31 years ago.

"It was mind over matter. I didn't want to think about how my leg was feeling," Love said of the injury. "We got a precautionary MRI, but I knew nothing would show up. It's just swelling."

Michael Beasley chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony Tolliver and Anthony Randolph both added 14 points to help the Timberwolves snap a three-game losing streak.

Tyler Hansbrough posted 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, losers of five straight and seven of eight overall. Danny Granger made only two field goals on 19 attempts, and finished with 10 points.

Indiana hit just 5-of-23 from the field in the opening quarter, allowing the Timberwolves to jump out to a 27-19 lead by the end of the frame.

Love started the second frame with a three-point play, and had another a little later during an 8-2 run that extended the margin to 41-24.

It remained a double-digit game at halftime, 50-40, and the Timberwolves scored the first 10 points of the third quarter to take control.

Two Wayne Ellington free throws capped the run three minutes in, and Martell Webster's deep jumper at the end of the one-sided frame gave the hosts an insurmountable 79-56 cushion that was never challenged in the final stanza.

"You're going to have those night where unfortunately we didn't make some shots," Hansbrough said. "Our defense didn't step up and make stops."

Game Notes

Malone recorded 51 straight double-doubles from December 29, 1978 to October 12, 1979 when he was with Houston...Minnesota won for just the 12th time during Love's streak...Luke Ridnour chipped in 13 points for the Timberwolves, who held the Pacers to 30 percent shooting...Minnesota held a 66-46 edge on the glass.