The Houston Rockets are are probably the best team in the NBA. Beating them — especially without Jimmy Butler on the floor — was always going to be extremely difficult.
But falling behind by 24 points at multiple points in the game made things nearly impossible.
The Wolves’ defense was atrocious throughout the first half, allowing 38 points in the first quarter and 39 in the second. The offense was okay, but stalled just enough in the second frame to allow the Rockets to lead by a score of 77-55 at the break.
The third quarter started with a 20-10 run from the Wolves and allowed Minnesota to hang around as the second half wore on.