All that stands between the Timberwolves and preseason perfection is...
the Indiana Pacers?
Yep, the Wolves fell to 5-2 in the preseason with Tuesday night's overtime loss to an opponent that beat them in Indianapolis six days earlier.
This time, the Pacers were missing star Danny Granger and the Wolves were without Darko Milicic (neck, shoulder), Martell Webster (back spasms) and, of course, Jonny Flynn (hip).
The Wolves led by as many as 12 points in the first quarter, but ultimately -- with starting center Kosa Koufos and Nikola Pekovic trying -- had no answer to defend third-year center Roy Hibbert, whose 27-point, 16-rebound game was too much on a night when Rambis experimented with his reserves down the stretch and right into overtime.
A few things tonight:
* Kevin Love again looked like he's growing into the role of first offensive option and possible go-to guy by following Sunday's 32-point, 13-rebound performance in Sioux Falls with a 28-point, 11-rebound night in fewer than 29 minutes.
* Michael Beasley continues to force too much and continues to look mostly disinterested in defense. Maybe he can flip the switch between now and Wednesday's season opener, but tonight he played 25 minutes, needed 16 shots to get his 14 points and had four of the team's 14 turnovers.