Kings sizzle with 19 3-pointers to torch Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taj Gibson (67) goes to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nemanja Bjelica made four of Sacramento’s 19 3-pointers and finished 25 points, helping the Kings beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 141-130 on Wednesday night.
Sacramento shot 58.1 percent (50 for 86) from the field in its fifth win in six games. Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic each scored 20 points, and rookie Marvin Bagley III had 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points for Minnesota, and reserve Derrick Rose finished with 20. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Timberwolves remained winless in 10 road games against Western Conference opponents. They have just two road wins this season, tied for second-worst in the NBA.
The athletic Kings raced to 33 fast-break points and had seven players score in double figures. Hield made five 3s, part of a 19-for-38 performance from behind the arc for Sacramento.
The Kings led 63-50 at halftime, but the Timberwolves opened the third quarter with 11 straight points and 21 of 26 overall. Sacramento then responded with 11 straight points, including consecutive 3-pointers by Iman Shumpert, and never trailed again.
The Kings opened the fourth quarter with a 16-7 run, including three 3-pointers by Yogi Ferrell, to open a 13-point lead.
TIP-INS
Timberwolves: Jeff Teague had a team-high 13 assists, but hit just three of his 11 shots. … The Timberwolves dropped to 0-3 on their four-game trip. They lost 116-108 at Golden State on Monday night. … The Timberwolves’ 57 wins against the Kings remain their most against any NBA rival. … Minnesota had won nine of its previous 14 games since the Nov. 12 trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Philadelphia.
Kings: It was Bagley’s fourth double-double of the season. … Ferrell had 17 points off the bench. … The Kings also defeated the Timberwolves in Sacramento 121-110 on Nov. 9. The teams meet for the final time this season in Minnesota on Feb. 25.
UP NEXT
Timberwolves: Visit the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
Kings: Wrap up a two-game homestand by hosting the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
