The Timberwolves' three-game winning streak came to an abrupt end here in Dallas.
After averaging 27.3 assists per game during three wins, the Wolves had 20 today. On the defensive end the Wolves didn't move their feet enough and fouled too much.
It won't get any easier. The Wolves will play at San Antonio Tuesday.
Here are some final thoughts on the game:
--Zach LaVine returned after missing two games with a hip injury. He played OK, making three of four three-pointers and scoring 11 points. And while it's not necessarily his fault, the Wolves offense just didn't have the ball movement and spacing it had in its last two victories.
--Thibodeau went deep into his bench today, playing 11 players overall. "I was just trying to get something going,'' Thibodeau said. "We tried to match up better with them. We were searching.''
--Still, with LaVine back, Thibodeau essentially said his rotation will remain tight. And that means Brandon Rush will likely be on the outside of that rotation looking in.
--After scoring just four points on 1-for-10 shooting Friday, Gorgui Dieng bounced back with a 10-for-12 performance, scoring a season-high 21 points. He may have been the lone Wolves player who came with energy from start to finish. He also had eight rebounds – five on the offensive end – and a steal.
