Timberwolves win third straight game, again in dramatic fashion

The Timberwolves have managed to tame a difficult portion of the schedule with three straight victories that have come in varying forms. But one thing has been consistent throughout: Drama.

Minnesota rallied in the fourth, then held on for dear life in the closing seconds of Sunday’s 112-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Target Center.

The Wolves’ last three wins have come by a combined nine points.

San Antonio had the ball, down two with 13 seconds to play, but Jeremy Sochan’s 3-point attempt at the horn fell woefully short.

After another stiflingly slow start — the Wolves trailed 21-10 at one point in the opening frame — the bench unit again breathed life into the operation with pace and intensity. Minnesota blitzed the Spurs 32-12 in the second quarter to take a 12-point advantage into halftime.

San Antonio responded, though, taking an eight-point advantage early in the fourth quarter.

But, for the third straight game, Minnesota was able to generate decent offense down the stretch to close a game out.

It was largely done with defense down the stretch Sunday, as Minnesota induced a number of 3-point misses from Victor Wembanyama down the stretch. Wembanyama finished with 34 points and eight rebounds but also missed a critical free throw that would’ve tied the game with 18 seconds to play.

Donte DiVincenzo continued his recent stretch of success. He followed up Friday’s 22-point showing in Houston by scoring 25 points Sunday. As he stood on the floor for a postgame, television interview, Target Center erupted into a “Donte!” chat. He smiled. A rough start now seems to be firmly played in his rearview mirror.

“It’s special,” the wing noted.