San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Takeaways & Star Performer

The San Antonio Spurs (54-10) bounce back after their performance on Monday as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-45) 116-91 Tuesday night at the Target Center.

Coming off of their worst shooting performance this season on Monday, the Spurs bounced back and did it with aggression on Tuesday against the Timberwolves. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 14 of his 29 points in the first quarter as he showed an array of moves to a young Timberwolves team.

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Kawhi Leonard scored 15 points and the Spurs led by as many as 26 points. David West scored 18 points as the Spurs shot 55.3 percent.

Andre Miller made his first start for the Spurs filling in for Tony Parker (bruised toe), the team did not miss a beat with Miller. The point-guard that was signed by the Spurs just weeks ago showed he can still play at a high-level and why he is amongst the best in the NBA in assists.

Miller totaled 25 minutes against his former team as he scored 13 and dished out five assists. After the game, Miller talked about how he never thought he would be playing on a team that he has played against his whole career.

“I’ve played against these guys my entire career and never thought I’d be on the team,” Miller said. “Things happen for a reason and I’m just going to continue to work hard.”

Andrew Wiggins had 23 points and eight rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 and nine boards for the Timberwolves. The Wolves were in the game through-out the first half. The young Wolves in the second half did not have an answer for Aldridge and the Spurs.

The Spurs shot a season-low 35 percent overall and 14 percent from 3-point range against Indiana on Monday night. Aldridge got whatever he wanted, peppering the Wolves with midrange jumpers and throwing down an emphatic dunk on Towns to get the Spurs going in the second quarter.

The Spurs now head home for five straight games at AT&T Center, where they are 30-0 this season.

Key Takeaways

-Taking Care Of The Ball

Spurs through the first three quarters turned the ball over just three times. Taking care of the ball and moving it around the perimeter to find the best entry way was key in the win.

-On Fire From The Field

The Spurs for the game shot 55.3-percent making 47-of-85 shots. What was different from Tuesday nights game then Monday’s, besides making baskets, the team looked for the best shot and did not force anything, even though it would seem that if any one player would take a shot, it would of probably gone in. Good to see the Spurs bounce back after their 35.4-percent shooting on Monday.

-Defense On Point

Mar 8, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) and forward David West (30) block Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The number one ranked defense in the league showed why as they forced 15 turnovers and did a great job rim protecting. As a team the Spurs had seven blocks and 13 steals.

-Duncan, Parker or Ginobili

The ‘Big 3’ did not play Tuesday as Duncan and Ginobili were out for rest and Parker nursing a bruised toe. He is listed as day-to-day.

Star Performer: Andre Miller

Yes this could go to LaMarcus Aldridge but we know what he was going to bring to the game against the Timberwolves. What was impressive was Miller. Getting his first start of the year for the Spurs, it did not seem as if he missed a beat. Miller controlled the offense, whipped passes in the lane, hit some jumpers and also took care of the ball. He was the engine that kept the team going.

Notes:

–Spurs are 10-0 after losing their first of a back to back this season.

—Danny Green: 9 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds

—Patty Mills: 7 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds

—Jonathon Simmons: 6 points, 3 rebounds

Next: ESPN NBA Analysts: Spurs Have No Weaknesses