MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered their first loss in the home opener on Monday and will try to move past that quickly when they host the Miami Heat on Thursday. The Timberwolves paid tribute to former coach Flip Saunders, who died of cancer on the eve of the regular season, prior to the opener.
Minnesota nearly came from behind to pull out a win in the emotional contest but ultimately fell to the Portland Trail Blazers 106-101. Rookie center Karl-Anthony Towns was involved in a controversial play on a jump ball at the end and had a call go against him, putting a cap on his first rough game in the NBA.