Timberwolves drop third straight to Trail Blazers, 106-98

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped their third straight game and second straight to the Portland Trail Blazers, 106-98 at the Moda Center on Wednesday night.

In comparison to Tuesday night's loss to Portland, the Timberwolves built up a lead in the first half, but it was ultimately squandered by self-inflicted wounds, something that's become a common theme early in the season.

The Wolves (6-6) didn't have any answers for Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, as he dropped a game-high 33 points, including nine in the final two minutes to seal the victory for Portland (5-8).

The loss on Wednesday night gives Minnesota an 0-2 record in NBA Cup group play and a negative 22 differential in points. They'll have a tall hill to climb as they still have games to play against the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Houston Rockets.

The Wolves were without veteran point guard Mike Conley on Wednesday night as they rested him on the back end of a back-to-back. Rookie Rob Dillingham saw more playing time as a result, seeing just over nine minutes on the court. He didn't have much of an impact, however, as he scored three points on 1-for-2 shooting from the field, both three-point attempts. He also turned the ball over three times.

The Wolves built up a 33-23 lead by the end of the first quarter but only put up 15 points in the second, as both teams were tied at 48 at halftime.

Both teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 76 but Minnesota let shooting struggles get the best of them as Portland found some youthful energy to win the quarter and ultimately win the game.

The Wolves finished shooting an abysmal 17.9% from the three-point line (7-for-39) and 39.4% from the field (37-for-94). Portland shot 45.8% from the floor (38-for-83) and 36% from three (9-for-25). The Trail Blazers turned the ball over 19 times in comparison to Minnesota's 13 but the poor shooting was a thorn in Minnesota's sides all night.

Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring with 24 points on 10-for-25 shooting but was 0-for-9 from three. Donte DiVincenzo continues to struggle shooting the ball, as he finished with two points on 1-for-10 shooting from the floor (0-for-6 from three).

The Timberwolves will continue NBA Cup play against the Sacramento Kings (7-5) at Golden 1 Center on Friday at 9 p.m.