The Heat felt the absence of two key starters, coming up short against the Timberwolves in Louisville.
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Miami Heat fell away in the second half, losing 101-96 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Following the previous nights win over the San Antonio Spurs, the Heat rested Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside and Tyler Johnson for this contest.
Like their first preseason encounter with Minnesota, the Heat started well, leading 58-51 at halftime. However with new coach Tom Thibodeau, the Timberwolves outscored the Heat 32-18 in the third period as the defence ramped up a level.
Rookie Rodney McGruder led all Heat in scoring and minutes, notching 15 points on 5-of-15 from the field in 39 minutes of play. McGruder finished with 5-of-9 from downtown, of which he managed to hit his first four without a miss. New addition Keith Benson also impressed off the bench, adding 14 points and seven rebounds whilst Wayne Ellington bounced back from a subpar game with 14 points, including 4-of-9 from three-point range.
The Heat starters had little impact, with just Dion Waiters reaching double figures with 13 points on 4-7 from the field. Newcomer Willie Reed, filling in for Whiteside, also impressed with seven points, 13 rebounds and a block in his 26 minutes of action. Justise Winslow played just seven minutes as the starting small forward, as the Heat were keen not to overwork some of the players for just a preseason game.
The Heat will enjoy a short break before playing host to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.