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A game that looked like it was going to be a blowout early turned close late in the game as the Wolves made a spirited run to close within 4 points with four minutes left, and actually had a chance to cut it to 2 before Miami converted some shots late and the Wolves fell short.
The Heat were on fire for most of the game, in part due to poor Wolves defense, and in part just because that's how it goes sometimes. Meanwhile the Wolves struggled to find any kind of offensive rhythm, as no Ricky Rubio meant a struggle for decent shots.
Ultimately strong work on the offensive glass and inside from Nikola Pekovic and Gorgui Dieng, as well as a strong game from Shabazz Muhammad got them going a bit, and they were able to make a comeback.
Zach LaVine got his first start in the NBA and played 26 minutes. He wasn't a revelation, but wasn't awful. Was very passive in the first half, a little more active in the 2nd. Had a couple of wild shots and passes, but overall acquitted himself reasonably.
The Wolves are probably not going to win a ton with Rubio out, but it was good to see them put forth the effort in a game where they could have folded the tent at any point.
Zach will have a full recap later.