By Howie Hanson
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves scored 38 first-quarter points Wednesday night, then watched their offense unravel in a 128-106 preseason loss to the Detroit Pistons at Target Center.
Jalen Duren scored 24 points in just 15 minutes for Detroit, which overcame a nine-point first-quarter deficit and outscored Minnesota 99-68 over the final three periods. The Pistons dominated inside, holding a 64-30 advantage in points in the paint.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 20 points but shot 5-for-15 from the field, including 1-for-5 from 3-point range. Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Jaden McDaniels finished with 12 points and six rebounds.
Minnesota, which fell to 3-2 in exhibition play, led 38-29 after the opening quarter before Detroit took control with a 36-20 second period. The Pistons carried a 65-58 advantage into halftime and extended their lead to 97-82 after three quarters.
Detroit shot 57% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. Minnesota made just 29 of 76 field-goal attempts, a 38.2% performance, and finished 11-for-34 on 3-pointers.
Duren converted eight of nine field-goal attempts and all eight free throws. Duncan Robinson added 15 points, including four 3-pointers, while Cade Cunningham contributed 14 points and nine assists.
The Timberwolves struggled to handle Detroit's defensive pressure after their productive opening quarter. Minnesota committed 20 turnovers, matching Detroit's total, but failed to compensate with efficient shooting or interior scoring.
LaMelo Ball finished with three points and six assists in 18 minutes. The newly acquired guard shot 1-for-5 from the field and committed three turnovers as Minnesota continued evaluating its revamped backcourt alongside Edwards.
Rudy Gobert contributed eight points and four rebounds. Rookie center Joan Beringer added 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds in less than 18 minutes.
Kuminga provided one of Minnesota's stronger individual performances, making five of six shots, including two of three from beyond the arc. His developing offensive connection with Ball offered a positive sign during an otherwise disappointing exhibition.
The loss followed Minnesota's 122-104 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday at Madison Square Garden. Edwards scored 20 points in that game as the Timberwolves demonstrated considerably better offensive execution.
Minnesota closes its six-game preseason schedule Friday night against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. The Timberwolves then have four days to prepare for their regular-season opener Wednesday, Oct. 21, against Miami.
Coach Chris Finch faces several decisions before opening night, particularly concerning backcourt combinations, defensive assignments and the distribution of minutes among Minnesota's new rotation players.
The immediate concern is defensive resistance. Allowing 128 points while surrendering 64 in the paint is a significant warning, even in an exhibition game.
Minnesota has enough offensive talent to score consistently. Wednesday's performance demonstrated that converting that talent into winning basketball will require considerably better defensive execution.