Minnesota 113, New Orleans 98

Michael Beasley finished with 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and Wesley Johnson scored 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting as the Minnesota Timberwolves cruised past the New Orleans Hornets 113-98 on Monday.

Kevin Love added 16 points and 11 boards and Luke Ridnour collected 12 points and 11 assists for the Timberwolves, who have won two straight for the first time this month.

Minnesota trailed 57-54 at the half but quickly went about grabbing control in the third quarter, opening the frame with a 9-2 run. Johnson drained four 3-pointers in the third and Beasley scored eight points to help the Timberwolves take an 82-77 edge into the fourth.

New Orleans could get nothing done in the final 12 minutes as Beasley put up 12 points and stretched the lead to 110-93 when he nailed a 3-pointer with 2:26 on the clock.

Chris Paul finished with 22 points and 13 assists and David West scored 23 for the Hornets, who have not won any of their six road games this month.

• Minnesota will play their next game at home against Denver. The Timberwolves have a W/L % of .286 after a win and .240 after a loss.
• New Orleans will play their next game at home against L.A. Lakers. The Hornets have a W/L % of .611 after a win and .538 after a loss.