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Ridnour helps Timberwolves top Magic

Nov 8, 2012 - 4:19 AM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Luke Ridnour netted a game-high 19 points and pulled down five rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves easily handled the Orlando Magic, 90-75, on Wednesday at the Target Center.

Derrick Williams scored 14 points and ripped down six rebounds, while Greg Stiemsma added 12 points and five boards for the Timberwolves, who improved to 3-1 on the young season. Nikola Pekovic and Chase Budinger laced 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the victory.

"We did poorly on the offensive end, but excelled on the defensive end, that's how we were able to maintain the lead," Budinger said. "It just shows you how tough of a team we can be."

JJ Redick put in 16 points and Arron Afflalo added 12 points in the loss for the Magic, who had a seven-game winning streak against Minnesota snapped. Andrew Nicholson contributed 11 points in the setback.

Minnesota dominated the first quarter, racing out to a 20-8 advantage with 3:34 left in the frame.

A 19-footer by Gustavo Ayon cut the deficit to 10, but the T'Wolves continued to put the ball in the basket, and led 25-12 heading to the second stanza.

Trailing by 10 with less than three minutes gone in the second quarter, Orlando got back in the game with a 7-2 push which trimmed the deficit to 27-22 with 6:08 to play before halftime.

A trey by Ridnour gave the Timberwolves a 36-27 lead with 2:36 left, but E'Twuan Moore closed the half with a deep deuce, cutting the Minnesota lead to 38-34 at the break.

Josh McRoberts nailed a jumper on the second Orlando possession of the third quarter to make it 38-36, but the T'Wolves responded with a 15-4 surge to take a 53-40 lead with 6:54 left in the third.

A deep 3-pointer by Redick capped a 13-5 run by the Magic, trimming the Minnesota lead to five, but the Wolves scored 10 of the next 12 points to close the quarter with a 68-55 advantage.

The Timberwolves rolled through the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 27 en route to the win.

"The ball just wouldn't go in the basket tonight for us," Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said.

Game Notes

The Magic also had a five-game winning streak in Minnesota snapped ... Minnesota shot 44.7 percent from the floor and 7-of-20 from 3-point range ... The Timberwolves got the better of the play inside, outscoring Orlando in the paint, 38-26.