***Friday night’s game in Minnesota was all about the Wine & Gold just not having enough firepower – scoring just 17 points in the third quarter and unable to cut the T-s’ double-digit lead Wolves in fourth place, losing the 104-91 decision at Target Center. Still trailing three starters, the Cavaliers shot just 24 percent from long range and no player surpassed the 20-point mark, falling for the third time in their last four outings.
*** The Timberwolves took a 10-point lead midway through the second quarter, but Cleveland closed the first half on an 18-5 run – powered by Sam Merrill’s three 3-pointers in the period – and led by three at intermission. However, the Cavs calmed down in the second stanza, going 2 of 13 from three-point range while the Timberwolves connected on 7 of 14 attempts from deep.
*** Coach JB Bickerstaff discussed Friday’s loss after the game: “I mean, they’re a good defensive team, so give them credit. But I thought we were stagnating. There wasn’t a lot of movement, we didn’t have enough offense, to get to the paint, create something else for someone. Again, give them credit for being good defensively, but I just thought we weren’t offensive enough to get to the paint and create any sort of chaos so we could create looks for each other .
*** Darius Garland scored 10 of his team’s 19 points in the fourth quarter – going 4 of 5 from the field in the period, 8 of 21 from the field overall, adding four assists in the loss.
*** Jarrett Allen posted his 35th double-double of the season Friday night – finishing with 15 points and a team-best 13 rebounds, adding five assists and a block. Caris LeVert contributed with 16 points, five rebounds and six assists. LeVert saw his streak of games with at least seven assists snapped at eight, despite his six dimes leading the Cavs on Friday night.
*** LeVert talked about Minnesota’s defense after the loss. I think it was a bit of an ugly game, obviously two defensive teams going against each other. I thought they did a better job in the fourth quarter executing, getting good shots, getting wide open corner threes. I think the ball got sticky for us in the second half and it was difficult to score on their defense.
*** Marcus Morris Sr. finished with 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting, adding seven rebounds in 26 minutes of work off the bench. In three appearances with the Cavaliers after signing a 10-day contract Monday morning, Morris notched double figures in two of them.
*** Tristan Thompson, who grabbed seven rebounds off the bench Friday, praised the T-Wolves’ efforts. “They’re a good team, (you) have to give them credit, that’s why they’re top three in the West. Coach Finch does a good job with them, especially with them having a lot of youth. They are able to understand it and understand it quickly. For us, it’s a “next game over” mentality. Obviously we lost a few bodies, but we can’t use that as an excuse. We just have to bounce back.
*** Sam Merrill made three of Cleveland’s seven three-pointers on the night – hitting 3 of 7 from long range for 10 points, adding three rebounds and an assist in 23 minutes of work. Since Dec. 8, no reserve in the NBA has made more three-pointers (113) than Merrill.
*** After falling Friday night at Minnesota, the Cavaliers close out their quick two-game road trip against the Heat on Sunday night in South Beach, trying to even the season series and avenge a tough loss Wednesday night at Cleveland. The Wine & Gold welcome the Hornets to town Monday night, then travel to Charlotte on Wednesday to complete the home package.
