MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Timberwolves All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns demolished the visiting Houston Rockets 121-105 Saturday night (Sunday morning RP Time) at the sold out Target Center.
Butler, one of the game's most feared two-way players, finished with 28 points with 7 rebounds while the 7-foot Towns, a University of Kentucky alum who struggled with his offense in Games 1 and 2 displayed his maturity this time by hauling 18 points, 16 boards with 3 dimes.
Razzie dazzle playmaker and Indiana-native Jeff Teague contributed 23 points and 8 assists, Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 20 rebounds, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
The Rockets waxed hot early in the opening frame, 28-27, led by Gerald Green?s 6 points on two 3-pointers.
The Wolves took the drivers seat at the half 52-51 through the aggressive plays of former NBA MVP Derrick Rose, who carded 17 points, 10 in the 2nd period.
The Wolves Big 3 --- Butler, Towns and Wiggins -- made a 26-14 run in the 3rd period to secure the 12 point game advantage 87-75.
Rockets superstar and leading NBA MVP candidate James Harden who was described by Turner Network Television (TNT) analyst Charles Barkley as unguardable, topscored for the Rockets with 29 points 9-for-21 from the field and 3-for-8 from 3-point arc.
Rockets ace point guard Chris Paul added 17 points before fouling out with 3:23 left in the 4th period.
The T-Wolves outrebounded the Rockets, 41-39. Houston committed 10 turnovers while the Wolves had only 7.
The 18,978 fans at the arena rose to their feet when the buzzer ended and Minnesota trimmed its series deficit to 2-1. Game returns to the Target Center on Monday night (Tuesday morning Philippine time)
Rockets James Harden and Chris Paul at the post gamei press conference.
Timberwolves Andrew Wiggins and Jeff Teague answer the media after the game.
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