If they defended rather well in the first minutes, in particular by blocking well on the rebound, the Hornets nevertheless gave ground by conceding award-winning baskets from Anthony Edwards.
The Wolves then go 11-0, but, at the end of the first quarter, which ended with muddled sequences, the two teams are tied (24-24). Between the seriousness of Minnesota's defense and the questionable choices of Charlotte, Rudy Gobert and his gang start the second quarter with a 13-2. Without forcing, Chris Finch's troops returned to the locker room at the break with a certain lead (57-45).
After halftime, and with Jaden McDaniels waking up, the Wolves took off. The Hornets still exist with a few shots from LaMelo Ball but the gap is made. It is confirmed with a 9-0 and a winning basket at the buzzer from Donte DiVincenzo to conclude the third quarter (91-71).
And as Minnesota begins the last act with an 8-0, the match is over and the last minutes are without interest. Logical victory for the Wolves (114-93), who thus inflict a third setback in a row on Charlotte.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– A diligent match for the Wolves. After their defeat against the Spurs, the Minnesota players reacted well. Serious in defense and skillful at 3-points (18/38), they left no hope for the Hornets, who only survived until the third quarter with a few winning shots here and there. The gap between the two teams was obvious, LaMelo Ball never having succeeded (2/8 at 3-pts and 5 lost balls) to ignite the game to destabilize the Wolves. It wasn't the best match of the season but, at least, the reigning Western Conference finalists approached it with the desire to do things well and the score reflected that perfectly.
– Tidjane Salaün tried a lot. The Frenchman (partly) saved his match in the last quarter with a dunk and a winning basket, because otherwise, everything was difficult for him in this part. He missed his entry in the first quarter before being picked off near the circle in the second. Overall, although he did not hesitate to try his luck, he is still finding his feet and has taken a number of complicated shots. He finished with 5 points at 2/10 shooting, including 1/7 behind the 3-point line, 2 rebounds, an assist and an interception, as well as 2 lost balls.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
