Minnesota led 35-27 after the first quarter but Indiana kept it within reach through halftime. Then the third quarter happened.
The Timberwolves outscored the Pacers 39-24 in the third period, the decisive swing that made the game’s final margin look closer than the contest felt. Minnesota built a lead as large as 31 points and never allowed Indiana back into it.
Dosunmu was the engine, finishing 10-for-17 from the field with three steals and eight offensive points off turnovers. He was the most efficient player on either team at the point of attack.
Hyland came off the bench and lit up the Pacers with four three-pointers, seven assists and 19 points on 57 percent shooting from deep. Julius Randle contributed 19 points and four assists, connecting on three of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Jaylen Clark added 11 points and four steals.
Rudy Gobert controlled the interior with 12 rebounds and two blocks. Minnesota as a team recorded 16 steals, a remarkable defensive total, and forced 23 Indiana turnovers, converting those into 34 points.
The Timberwolves shot 51.7 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from three. Their bench combined for 57 points. Indiana’s bench also had 53, but the starters never found enough to keep pace.
Next game: Minnesota travels to face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m. CDT.
