Wolves sloppy throughout in last-second loss to Heat

The Timberwolves got what was coming to them Sunday night at Target Center.

On a night in which the execution was severely lacking from start to finish — largely on the offensive end — it was a defensive gaffe that ultimately cost Minnesota in the closing seconds against Miami.

The Wolves were leading 94-92 with nine ticks to play after Jaden McDaniels’ putback off a missed Mike Conley 3-point attempt. But on Miami’s ensuing possession, Nikola Jovic slipped away from Nickeil Alexander-Walker after the Wolves didn’t properly switch a back screen. Jovic scored the layup plus the foul, then hit the go-ahead free-throw to put Miami back on top.

The Wolves still had a chance to win it on the other end, but Miami committed a take foul with 3.7 seconds to play. And on the ensuing in-bounds, Minnesota was supposed to flip the action, per Wolves coach Chris Finch, and wanted to get Anthony Edwards a look off a flare screen.

Instead, the ball ended up in the hands of Conley, who missed a good look from deep, and Minnesota fell, 95-94.

It all came on a night where the Wolves were sloppy offensively, committing 20 turnovers — 19 of which came over the final three frames. Miami was equally careless, committing 23 giveaways. The Wolves also didn’t hit shots. Edwards’ 3-point shooting tear to open the season hit a speed bump as he went 8 for 24 from the field. Conley was 2 for 9, including 0 for 5 from distance.

The Wolves committed three turnovers in the final four minutes to allow Miami to stick around and, eventually, steal the game.

Miami played a zone that consistently flummoxed Minnesota. The Wolves shot sub-40 percent from the field and 29 percent from 3-point range.

The Heat were sans Jimmy Butler, who sprained his ankle on Friday. They’ve struggled mightily thus far this season. But they outplayed Minnesota on Sunday.

Edwards had 22 points to pace the Wolves (6-4).