T-Wolves snap 11-game losing streak vs. Pistons

[April 20, 2012]  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Nikola Pekovic scored 23 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves ended an 11-game losing streak with a 91-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.

The Timberwolves never trailed and took a 49-31 halftime lead after shooting 57 percent (21 of 37) from the field. An 8-0 run pushed the lead to over 20 points midway through the third quarter but the Pistons rallied in the fourth to make it close.

Tayshaun Prince had 18 points to lead to lead Detroit, which lost for the second time in as many nights.

Anthony Randolph added 15 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, while Michael Beasley and J.J. Barea had 13 points each. Barea had 12 assists and six rebounds.

Pekovic made 5 of his first six shots to start the game and had 13 points in the first half to pace the Wolves, who hadn't won since March 28 at Charlotte. He finished with nine rebounds.

The Pistons ended the first quarter by missing 10 straight field goals and shot just 29 percent in the first half. The 31 first-half points were one off their worst halftime output this season.

Detroit trailed 78-55 with less than 8 minutes to play but outscored the Wolves 19-3 over the next 6 minutes to cut the lead to seven points. Pekovic had a putback and dunk in the last 90 seconds to end the rally.

Will Bynum added 17 points for the Pistons and Ben Gordon had 14.

NOTES: Minnesota coach Rick Adelman said All-Star C Kevin Love (concussion/neck strain) might return for the team's final two games if he is cleared by doctors. Love, who left an April 11 game at Denver after a hard fall, was scheduled to undergo tests Thursday. . Pistons F Ben Wallace did not play Thursday to attend a funeral.

[Associated Press]

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