Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Derrick Williams had 16 points and eight
rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to an 87-82 win over the
Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
Ricky Rubio recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 assists for the
Timberwolves, who snapped a six-game losing streak. Luke Ridnour also scored
15 points, while J.J. Barea and Dante Cunningham had 12 and 11 points,
respectively, off the bench.
John Wall had a game-high 19 points and dished out seven assists for the
Wizards, who had won four of their last six games entering the contest.
Trevor Ariza registered 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists and Emeka
Okafor had a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Down 79-77 with five minutes remaining in regulation, Cunningham sank a four-
footer to tie the game and Barea made a reverse layup to give the Timberwolves
an 81-79 edge.
The Wizards kept it close and were down by one, 83-82, but they missed their
final four shots. Barea scored on a driving layup and Ridnour made a pair of
free throws to end the game.
After the first quarter, Washington had a 29-24 lead.
However, the Wizards had trouble scoring in the second, scoring just 14 points
on 4-of-15 shooting. Minnesota, on the other hand, scored 24 points in the
frame and had a 48-43 advantage at halftime.
Both teams had difficulty shooting in the third quarter. The Wizards shot 37.5
percent from the field while the Timberwolves shot 22.7 percent, including 1-
of-7 from three-point range.
Nonetheless, the two teams battled throughout the frame, as they had four lead
changes and tied four times.
Entering the fourth, Minnesota had a 65-63 lead.
Game Notes
All five of Washington's starters scored in double digits ... Ariza scored all
of his points in the first half ... Barea scored 10 points in the fourth
quarter.
The Sports Network