Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Rockets

Despite a hot start, the Minnesota Timberwolves dropped Game 2 to the Houston Rockets, 102-82. Here’s a look at what we learned — or more accurately, what was reinforced by the predictable outcome.

There was a world in which this series was competitive. In fact, before the Minnesota Timberwolves were blown out 102-82 by the Houston Rockets in Game 2, we were living in that world.

Game 1 was close when it shouldn’t have been. James Harden had 44 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns had eight, but a clear rebounding and free throw edge kept the Wolves close — a formula that seemed repeatable. Mix in a better effort from Towns, and things would get interesting.

Instead, Towns finished Game 2 with five points on 2-of-9 shooting. He had 10 boards, but Clint Capela had 16, thoroughly outplaying the Wolves’ big for the second straight game. Minnesota was edged out on the glass (54-52) and from the line (16-15 in made free throws). If those two areas are close, the series won’t be.

Here is a look at what Game 2 taught us, or at least made more clear.