Pro Sports

Wizards' bench delivers 4th straight win, 104-98 over Wolves

Posted March 02, 2016 6:00 am

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI

Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) protects the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) and forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Bradley Beal scored 26 points and Alan Anderson added 18 to lead the Washington Wizards to their fourth straight victory, 104-98 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

John Wall had 14 points and 12 assists, and Beal and Anderson led a Wizards bench that outscored Minnesota's second unit 64-18. Washington shot 50 percent, hit 11 of 29 3-pointers and scored 50 points in the paint to overcome 17 turnovers.

Ricky Rubio had 22 points and six rebounds, Zach LaVine scored 21 and Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points, 15 rebounds and five assists for the Timberwolves. Minnesota made 29 free throws to just nine for Washington, but 19 turnovers did in the young Wolves.

Anderson was playing in only his fourth game of the season after missing the first 55 while recovering from left ankle surgery. The Minneapolis native went 6 for 9, including four 3s, to help Washington overcome a shaky start.

The Wizards have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season, limping into the All-Star break at 23-28 and flirting with missing the playoffs during a season when many expected them to take a step forward after advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals last year.

They seem to have found another gear after the time off, improving to 7-2 since the break, with the return of Nene, Beal and Anderson from injuries and a trade for Markieff Morris helping to fortify them as they push for the playoffs. Even with their improved play of late, they began the day in 10th place in the East.

Like much of this season, the Wizards teetered dangerously on the brink during the game. They trailed 21-9 in the first quarter amid a rash of turnovers before Wall got going. The blazing-fast point guard ignited Washington's transition game, finding Beal and Anderson open on the wings for open 3 after open 3.

The Wolves crept back in front in the third quarter with a 9-0 run, but their defensive deficiencies quickly returned to open the door again for Washington.

The burly frontcourt of Marcin Gortat and Nene held Minnesota's dynamic young big men - Towns and Gorgui Dieng - to a combined 20 points.

TIP-INS

Wizards: G Gary Neal missed his 10th straight game with a sore right leg. ... After grabbing a career-high 20 rebounds in his previous game, Gortat had just four.

Timberwolves: Andrew Wiggins scored 17 points. ... F Greg Smith was signed to a 10-day deal Wednesday. He scored four points in 10 minutes. ... The Timberwolves held their annual Taste of the Timberwolves fundraising event on Tuesday night and raised $280,000 for the FastBreak Foundation.

UP NEXT

Wizards: Visit Cleveland on Friday.

Timberwolves: Visit Milwaukee on Friday.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) is fouled by Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) protects the ball against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) makes a pass against the defense of Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones (1) controls the ball against Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives the ball around Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) looks up to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

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