Timberwolves' Big Men Put Away Hornets, 123-117

The Hornets had a big matchup with one of the best defensive teams in the NBA on Saturday night, and came up just short despite putting up a respectable fight. 

In a game where Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels were out for the Timberwolves, the Hornets' matchup became a bit easier. Charlotte got a balanced scoring attack from their rotation players, but Minnesota's bigs thrived on the interior. 

After going down by as many as 12 points, the Hornets clawed back to take the lead. Just before halftime, two free throws from Mark Williams gave Charlotte their first lead of the contest. 

With just under five minutes remaining in the contest, an Ish Smith layup gave the Hornets a 106-102 lead. But the Wolves' hot jump shooting and ability to make free throws led them to the win, 123-117. 

Best of the night:

Terry Rozier was a big factor in LaMelo Ball's absence, hitting several big shots to help Charlotte keep pace with one of the top teams record-wise in the NBA. Rozier put up a team-best 23 points and seven assists for the Hornets. 

Worst of the night:

Mark Williams fouled out of the game on Saturday late in the fourth quarter, giving the Timberwolves an even greater advantage on the interior in the closing minutes. 

For the game, Minnesota's bigs dominated the paint. The Wolves got 77 points between Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. 

Stat of the night: 

Charlotte completely and utterly shut down Minnesota in transition, holding the Timberwolves to zero points in transition for the game. 

Highlight of the night:

A few minutes into the second quarter, Terry Rozier threw a lob from beyond half court to a streaking Miles Bridges, who threw down a one-handed slam.