The Big Game Jan. 13--San Antonio 106 Minnesota Timberwolves 88

Hope is slipping away from the Wolves, replaced suddenly by hope that the Minnesota Wild can accomplish the turnaround that was hoped for and even expected from the Wolves, but seems to be expected no more. The Wolves hung with San Antone for 3 quarters, trailing by 3, 5 and 7 after each of the 1st 3 quarters. But the Spurs quickly pulled away in the 4th quarter. San Antone shot 56, the Wolves just 37. No Minnesota player scored more than J.J. Barea's 15 points, and Alexey Shved and Ricky Rubio shot a combined 0-for-13.