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Love sets NBA record as T'Wolves down Pistons

Jan 19, 2012 - 4:26 AM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Kevin Love had 20 points and 17 rebounds for his 14th straight double-double to open the season, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Detroit Pistons, 93-85.

Nikola Pekovic, Anthony Tolliver and Wesley Johnson had 11 points apiece for Minnesota, which has won three of four.

The Timberwolves, who trailed by 16 at one point, outscored Detroit by a 29-14 margin in the fourth quarter.

Tayshaun Prince ended with 29 points for the Pistons, who have lost three in a row and nine of 10 overall. Ben Gordon added 18 points and Greg Monroe donated 13 points and 12 boards.

The Pistons started to create some distance in the second quarter. Holding a 22-19 lead with 10:46 left, they went on a 16-3 run. Prince tallied 11 points during the burst, which Rodney Stuckey capped with a three-pointer to make it a 38-22 game with 4:41 left.

But Minnesota ended the half on a 14-4 surge to cut the gap to 42-36 at the break.

The Pistons scored 11 of the first 15 points in the second half to build a 53-40 lead with 9:14 remaining.

The Timberwolves responded with the next nine points to keep it close, and trailed 71-64 after three periods.

Minnesota opened the final quarter on a 10-2 run to take the lead. J.J. Barea's three-pointer made it a 74-73 game.

Holding an 81-80 lead with 5:42 to play, Minnesota put together an 8-1 flurry. Wayne Ellington and Tolliver started the surge with a pair of dunks. Ellington added a three-pointer after Jason Maxiell's free throw. Ricky Rubio capped the burst with a free throw to make it an 89-81 contest with 3:57 left.

Detroit never got closer than six the rest of the way.

Game Notes

Minnesota swept the home-and-home series with Detroit a year ago...The Pistons fell to 1-7 as the visitor this season...Barea (ankle) had missed the past three games...Prince recorded his 400th career block...Minnesota went 25- for-34 from the foul line.