Hack-a-Howard failed.
Down double-digits, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau decided to keep sending Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard to the foul line. Considering Howard is a 40 percent foul shooter this season, it was a reasonable strategy. It just didn’t work in a 118-102 Hornets victory at Spectrum Center.
Howard had his first game of at least 20 points and 20 rebounds as a Hornet (25 points and 20 boards). He made 9-of-14 from the line as the Hornets improved to 7-9. This was the first 20-20 game by a Hornet since Al Jefferson assembled one in 2013.