Towns, Edwards lead Timberwolves past undermanned Pistons

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 points and Anthony Edwards added 22 as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the undermanned Detroit Pistons 119-100 on Tuesday night in a game with significant lottery implications.

Minnesota's second straight win was its 22nd in 69 games, while the Pistons dropped to 20-50. The Houston Rockets (16-53) are the only team with fewer wins than Detroit. There are three teams - the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers - with 21 wins.

Ricky Rubio added 19 points for Minnesota while DeAngelo Russell had 15 points and 10 assists.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid, left, and Detroit Pistons guard Saben Lee (38) chase the loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)

Saddiq Bey scored 21 points and Saben Lee added 20 for Detroit, which lost for the 10th time in 12 games.

Pistons coach Dwane Casey had nine players dressed, including six rookies and they struggled badly on offense. Detroit shot 34.3% in the first half and turned the ball over 15 times for 16 Minnesota points.

The Timberwolves led 62-40 at the start of the second half, but the Pistons scored the first 12 points of the third quarter to make it a 10-point game. Minnesota, though, went on an 8-0 run of their own to move the score to 70-52.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell (0) loses control of the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)

The margin was 86-65 at the period's end, and Detroit never threatened in a low-intensity fourth quarter.

TIP INS

Timberwolves: Minnesota's starters scored 73 of its 86 points in the first three quarters, including 22 of 24 in the third quarter.

Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey makes a lay up as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)

Pistons: Point guards Killian Hayes and Saben Lee only committed one of Detroit's 16 turnovers in the first half. Shooting guard Josh Jackson had seven and Saddiq Bey added three.

UP NEXT

Timberwolves: Host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes drives as Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell (0) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)

Pistons: Host the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid passes during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)

Detroit Pistons forward Sekou Doumbouya (45) is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Juancho Hernangomez (41) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)

Detroit Pistons forward Tyler Cook controls the ball behind Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)