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Budinger's 35 boost Rockets past T-Wolves

Apr 14, 2011 - 6:04 AM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Chase Budinger scored 35 points, Goran Dragic registered his first career triple-double and the Houston Rockets concluded their season with a 121-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.

Kevin Martin finished with 25 points and Courtney Lee supplied 22 off the bench for the Rockets (43-39), who are out of the playoffs despite recording their fifth consecutive winning season.

"I love the way the guys responded in the fourth quarter," said Houston head coach Rick Adelman. "I'm proud of the guys with the way they finished the season and they should be proud of themselves."

Dragic posted 11 points and compiled the same amount of rebounds and assists.

Michael Beasley had 34 points to pace Minnesota (17-65), which ended the season on a 15-game slide.

"I'm taking the positives out of this season and I'm sure next season will be better," said Beasley.

Houston led 32-30 after the opening 12 minutes and increased its advantage to 69-52 at halftime.

Budinger hit a three-pointer to put the Rockets up 79-58 early in the third quarter, but the Timberwolves managed to trim their deficit to 90-89 at the end of the frame.

Minnesota, though, couldn't complete the comeback as the Rockets dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the T-Wolves 31-13.

Game Notes

Houston shot 50 percent (42-for-84) from the field...Anthony Randolph chipped in 23 points for Minnesota...Timberwolves forward Kevin Love missed nine of the last 11 games with a strained left groin...The Rockets have won seven straight at Minnesota.