Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside provided another triple-double but it was not enough as they were overpowered by the Minnesota Timberwolves at home Tuesday, 103–91.
Whiteside was a dominant force inside the paint, tallying 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks in 34 minutes of action.
Along with Whiteside's great showing, all of Miami's starters also scored in double-digits in the defeat.
Following Whiteside was forward Luol Deng who had 20 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Guard Goran Dragić came close to a double-double having 16 points and nine assists, also contributing two rebounds and one steal.
Completing the list were guard Dwyane Wade and forward Chris Bosh who scored 10 points each.
In the loss, troubled guard Gerald Green also returned to action following a two-game ban which was given to him after being hospitalized earlier this month due to undisclosed reasons.
Before being admitted to the hospital, Green was reported to have been behaving strangely in the condominium where he was staying at.
Green's return did not really help the Heat that much as he only tallied two points, four rebounds, and one assist in 12 minutes of action coming off the bench.
Before the loss to Minnesota, Green told reporters that he apologizes to the fans for the games he missed; thanked the Heat organization for supporting him through the ordeal; and expressed his excitement to return to action.
The Heat are now at 6–4 following the defeat which places them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, with their record identical to the fifth-placed Boston Celtics.
Miami will continue the home stand at the American Airlines Arena this Thursday when the Sacramento Kings pay a visit.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves were powered by the rising stars in their roster, led by guard Andrew Wiggins who had 24 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals, and one block.
This year's number one overall pick, center Karl-Anthony Towns, also had a great game recording a double-double 14 points and 14 rebounds, along with two steals and one block.
The Timberwolves improved to 5–6 and will stay in Florida as they take on the Orlando Magic today, Wednesday.
