Timberwolves shut down Bulls in second half
Nothing unusual here, a Tom Thibodeau-coached team clamping down with some excellent second-half defense at the United Center.
Expect Minnesota's Timberwolves were supposed to be the young team that had yet to figure out how to guard other NBA players.
But after the Chicago Bulls scored 38 points and shot 72 percent from the field in the first quarter, Minnesota dominated the rest of the way Tuesday night and won Thibodeau's return 99-94.
Asked if there was any special meaning to beating the Bulls after being fired by the team in May 2015, Thibodeau took the high road.
“When I look back at the time I was here, I love what we did,” Thibodeau said. “There were far more great times than there were any problem times. It didn't end great, but most of the time, it was great.”
Jimmy Butler was asked about the emotions of playing against Thibodeau's team and declined to answer.
“Next question, please,” he said.
After Butler used 2 steals and 2 baskets to tie the score at 91-91 with 1:34 left, the Bulls had a rough ending. Andrew Wiggins knocked down a go-ahead jumper, then Dwyane Wade missed a 3-pointer, which led to a Zach LaVine run-out lay-in to put Minnesota up 95-91 with 52.3 seconds remaining.
After missing a driving attempt in traffic, Wade's momentum carried him toward referee Ben Taylor and Wade did an exaggerated clap right in Taylor's face. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg was hit with a technical and Wade was ejected.
Minnesota began the night with a 6-18 mark, making it the second time this month the Bulls have lost to a team with the league's worst record, joining the loss at Dallas on Dec. 2.
“I don't consider it playing down in competition, because I think every team in this league is very talented,” Butler said. “They're a team we should beat, yes. We got away from doing what it said to do on that board before the game: get back, rebound it, help and doing all of that stuff. We got away from that a little bit and they capitalized.”
The Bulls passed on a tribute video for Thibodeau. It sounds like a questionable choice, since Thiboeau led the Bulls to five straight trips to the playoffs, but tribute videos are clearly better suited for players.
During introductions, announcer Tommy Edwards said simply, “And welcome back coach Tom Thibodeau.” The crowd roared, Thibodeau acknowledged the crowd with both arms, and that was that.
The Bulls (13-11) were in cruise control early, building a 26-6 lead, which later peaked at 21 points midway through the second. But the Timberwolves finished the first half with a 16-1 run and led 78-75 heading into the fourth.
Butler led the Bulls with 27 points and a team-high 9 rebounds. Rajon Rondo sat out with an ankle injury. LaVine led the Timberwolves with 24 points, while Wiggins scored 23.
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