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Howard's huge game lifts Hornets over Timberwolves, 118-102

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-102 on Monday night.
Nov 20, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots a free throw in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Dwight Howard had 25 points and 20 rebounds, and the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-102 on Monday night.

Howard, acquired in an offseason trade from Atlanta, was 8 for 10 from the field and 9 of 14 at the foul line, where he has struggled all season. He outplayed Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 18 points and 12 rebounds as Minnesota lost on back-to-back nights.

Howard, the NBA's active leader in 20-20 games with 49, became the first Hornets player to accomplish the feat since Al Jefferson in 2013.

Frank Kaminsky provided a huge spark off the bench, scoring nine of his 24 points in the fourth quarter. He shot 9 of 15 overall, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.

In an effort to come back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves repeatedly sent Howard to the foul line. He responded by shooting 6 of 10 to help seal the win.

Jamal Crawford led Minnesota with 19 points, and Jeff Teague added 18. Andrew Wiggins struggled from the field, going 5 of 14 and finishing with 11 points.

The Hornets led by four entering the fourth before Kaminsky took over and helped build a double-digit advantage with a pair of 3-pointers.

TIP-INS

Timberwolves: Shot 6 of 27 from 3-point range, including 1 of 14 in the first half. ... Wiggins got a technical foul after disputing a charge call against him in the third quarter.

Hornets: Came in having committed the fewest turnovers in the league but had 11 in the first half. ... Howard was charged with a flagrant foul when he threw a high elbow toward the upper body of Towns in the third quarter.

UP NEXT

Timberwolves: Host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

Hornets: Host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

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