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Wizards try for first win vs. Timberwolves

Jan 8, 2012 - 3:52 PM (Sports Network) - Mired in the worst start in franchise history, the Washington Wizards try again for their first win of the season this afternoon versus the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Verizon Center.

Washington dropped to 0-7 on the young season following Friday's 99-96 loss to the New York Knicks in the opener of a three-game homestand. Knicks star Carmelo Anthony poured in 37 points and nailed the go-ahead three-pointer late in the game, while the Wizards were led by Nick Young's 24 points. John Wall finished with 22 points for the Wizards, the only winless team in the NBA.

"We fought hard," said Young. "Hopefully we can continue to play this way every night."

The Wizards appeared to be headed to their first win early on with a 32-18 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. They shot 48 percent for the game, making 6-of-14 three-pointers, and got 15 points from Andray Blatche. JaVale McGee ended with 13 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

Washington will close out the homestand Tuesday versus Toronto and is 0-3 as the host, as opposed to its 0-4 record away from the nation's capital.

Minnesota just went 2-3 on a five-game homestand and will play two straight and four of the next five games on the road.

In Friday's 98-87 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Love had another double-double with 28 points and 14 boards and rookie Derrick Williams had 12 points for the Timberwolves.

"It was just a bad night," said Timberwolves center Darko Milicic, who finished with 11 points. "We just came out flat."

Ricky Rubio had 10 points and five assists, while Michael Beasley had nine points and 12 boards. However, Beasley is expected to miss Sunday's game with a sprained foot suffered in the fourth quarter against the Cavs. Newcomer J.J. Barea has missed four of the past five contests due to a strained left hamstring and is questionable.

The Timberwolves will be playing just their second road game of the season and lost their only bout as the visitor back on Dec. 27 in a 98-95 setback at Milwaukee.

Minnesota and Washington split a pair of meetings a year ago, but the Wizards have won six of the past eight matchups between the teams. Minnesota has lost seven straight contests at the Verizon Center.