Post-game grades: Miami Heat fall short against Timberwolves

Oct 8, 2016; Kansas City , MO, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots a three point basket as Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) defends during the second half at Sprint Center. Minnesota won 109 - 100. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Kansas City , MO, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots a three point basket as Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) defends during the second half at Sprint Center. Minnesota won 109 - 100. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Despite leading 62-47 at halftime, the Miami Heat fell short in this pre-season battle played in Kansas City, MI.

Having kicked off their pre-season with an impressive win over the Washington Wizards, the Miami Heat were hoping to replicate their success against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Early signs were that this could vey well be the case. The Heat led 62-47 at halftime, and soon after extended their lead to 68-49 with 10:43 remaining in the third quarter. However from this point, it was strictly a one-sided affair.

The Timberwolves scored 41 points in the third quarter and also restricted the Heat to just 15 points in the final quarter to cap off an impressive comeback.

The Heat shot a respectable 46.2 percent from the field, however were just a wobbly  62.1 percent from the free-throw line. And whilst Hassan Whiteside grabbed 12 rebounds in just 27 minutes of play, the Heat were out rebounded 51-42, including a 14-6 advantage in the offensive boards.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks whilst fellow young-gun Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points including 13-16 from the free-throw line.

The Miami Heat will have a two day break before hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday evening.