Minneapolis, MN (SportsNetwork.com) – Andrew Wiggins made a crucial mistake in
the game’s final second, fouling Jimmy Butler on a jump shot with his team up
by a point.
Butler calmly sank both free throws, and the Chicago Bulls took down the
Minnesota Timberwolves 106-105 in dramatic fashion.
The Bulls led by two late when a wild sequence saw Minnesota climb ahead
despite Ricky Rubio, who matched a career-high with 17 assists, fouling out
moments earlier. Mo Williams, Rubio’s replacement, was off the mark on a 3-
pointer from the top of the key. The ball bounced right to Kevin Martin, who
then missed a baseline jumper.
Nikola Pekovic came away with another offensive rebound, only to have his
layup turned away at the rim. The ball popped free to Williams, who swung to a
wide open Martin on the left wing. Martin hit nothing but cotton with 2.9
seconds to play.
Chicago then inbounded to Butler, who stumbled before recovering and putting a
pump fake on June’s No. 1 overall pick. Wiggins and Butler collided, and it
was an easy whistle for the refs.
Butler returned to the lineup after missing the first two games of the season
with a thumb injury and led Chicago with 24 points.
