Towns, Timberwolves drop preseason opener 107-105 to Memphis

The Minnesota Timberwolves tipped off their 2020-21 preseason schedule with a 107-105 loss to Memphis on Saturday night.

Second-year guard Jaylen Nowell led the Wolves with 22 points, scoring 20 in the fourth quarter alone on 7-of-10 shooting.

Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 13 points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes on the floor. D’Angelo Russell nailed 2 of 3 attempts from 3-point range and finished the night with 14 points and three assists.

Ricky Rubio drained 3 of 7 attempts from the field and registered nine points, five rebounds and two assists.

Memphis was led by reigning Rookie of the Year winner Ja Morant, who logged 20 points and 11 assists in 25 minutes. Former Timberwolves players Tyus Jones and Gorgui Dieng combined for 14 points.

As a team, Minnesota shot 37.1% from deep (13 for 35) and 75% from the free-throw line (24 of 32).

The Timberwolves return to the court Monday night to battle Memphis once again. The game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be televised on FOX Sports North.