• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Love leads Timberwolves past Nuggets

Mar 25, 2012 - 11:49 PM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Kevin Love posted a double-double of 30 points and 21 rebounds, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a rare win over the Denver Nuggets, 117-100, at Target Center.

Love, who made 11-of-19 field goals, was coming off a franchise-best 51-point performance in Friday's double-overtime loss at Oklahoma City.

Luke Ridnour scored 25 points and dished out a game-high six assists for Minnesota, which returned home after a 2-5 road trip. Wayne Ellington contributed 17 points, Michael Beasley had 11 points and Martell Webster and Anthony Tolliver added 10 points apiece.

"We were ready to play. There's no doubt about it," said Minnesota head coach Rick Adelman.

The Timberwolves had lost seven straight to the Nuggets, and Sunday's win was just their second in the last 19 meetings overall.

Kenneth Faried led the Nuggets with 17 points, while Ty Lawson and Andre Miller both donated 14 points.

Denver, which had won eight straight at Minnesota, suffered its third loss in four games overall.

"They started making shots and we couldn't get back in the game," said Denver forward Corey Brewer.

The Timberwolves led 33-20 after 12 minutes and opened the second quarter on an 11-0 run. Beasley capped the surge by draining a turnaround jumper.

Minnesota wound up taking a 25-point lead into the break and its 68 points were the most allowed in a half by Denver this season.

The Nuggets shot 65 percent in the third quarter and held the Timberwolves to 32 percent shooting, but were still down 93-75 heading into the fourth. Denver never managed to trim its deficit to single digits.

Game Notes

Minnesota notched its first home win over the Nuggets since Feb. 14, 2007...Denver guard Aaron Afflalo was suspended for the game for elbowing Gordon Hayward in the head during Friday's loss to the Jazz.