The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a sloppy game to the Portland Trail Blazers 122-108 to open NBA Cup play on Tuesday night at the Moda Center. Coming off a close loss at home to the Miami Heat on Saturday,

Portland Trail Blazers small forward Deni Avdija drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley (10) during the first half at Moda Center in Portland on Nov. 12, 2024. / Soobum Im-Imagn Images Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said his team "made just about every mistake that you need to make" to blow an eight-point lead late in Sunday's loss to the Miami Heat.

The Timberwolves finished the 2023-24 in season tournament with a 3-1 record, but a point differential of 0. That point differential stood in the way of Minnesota advancing to the knockout stage, as the Phoenix Suns also finished 3-1 but were +34 through their four group stage showings.