Luka Doncic can be an ass with the refs and sometimes his arrogance brims over the edge. Both are the signs of a phenomenal competitor, a player who put the favored Timberwolves to sleep in the Western Conference Finals last season at age 25. Slander him at your own risk.

Last two 4th quarters: 73-30.

This one is over with a quickness, in more ways than one. Wolves unlock the crunchtime expertise for the second game in a row.

Last two fourth quarters with 2:06 to play in this one: 63-25 Timberwolves.

Four quarter merengue for the second game in a row.

Dillingham turns down a wide open shot and gets it to McDaniels who goes to work and thrives in traffic yet again tonight. He's got 26 points without a three pointer (only 1 attempt)

Hat tip to Ingles who stabilized the offense in his second stint. Then Naz broke free and McDaniels abided with inside work.

Naz is at the party and the Wolves are down a point

When Naz deferring to Clark is the right decision..... And when Ingles again can be a 5-minute spark.

To be fair, Portland has looked like the better team vs a Wolves outfit without Ant and Conley and DDV and Randle. That is a ton of shot creation. McDaniels has tried to fill the void and Naz isn't getting fed. But we've seen Clingan, Sharpe + co. do this before.

The Luka Garza train is having momentum issues

McDaniels racking up the points. But now it is time to move the ball--especially to Naz who has 7 shots with 4 minutes left in the third and is now checking out

Time to run some plays for Naz. Or emphasize him in the flow

Offense comes out with a crisp purpose. Aggressive pick and rolls, quick kickouts, and the increasingly familiar McDaniels ballet into a floater

Dillingham works the pick and roll with Rudy to perfection. Good start after a miserable first half

Ant 42.1% thus far this season. And after a slow start, Conley up to 39%

Wolves had only 3 made treys in 16 attempts. Ant (and Conley) obviously missed

The putback off his own miss is a source of offense and stat stuffing for McDaniels tonight. At the half, Portland up 13, 60-47, after a fairly dominant second quarter.

Wolves 8 assists, 7 turnovers. Points off turnovers: Wolves actually +1, 9 to 8.

Hero shirt tote. Hey hey hey, an Ant shirt. Past the halfway point of the season the tote is: Ant, every shirt chosen Rest of roster: ...........