TIMBERWOLVES 106, TRAIL BLAZERS 94: Kevin Love went for 29 points and 16 rebounds as host Minnesota beat Portland for the second time in three games and slipped into a tie for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference.

Luke Ridnour added 22 points and Wesley Johnson scored 19 for the Timberwolves, who have not made the playoffs since the 2003-04 season. Minnesota is now tied with Houston for the No. 8 spot, with Utah and Portland hanging around just behind.

The Timberwolves had lost 16 straight to the Trail Blazers before a 122-110 victory at the Rose Garden on Saturday.

Wednesday was no different, as Love set the tone with three 3-pointers to close the first quarter and give Minnesota the lead.

After allowing Portland to shoot 56 percent in the first half, the Timberwolves locked down on the defensive end after the break and began to pull away. Four straight free throws by Love gave Minnesota a 77-63 lead late in the third, and the Trail Blazer were never able to get back on top.

Raymond Felton collected 23 points and nine assists for Portland, which shot 39.5 percent in the second half.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Blazers F Gerald Wallace nearly reached a triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. … Portland attempted only four free throws. … Timberwolves C Nikola Pekovic (foot) missed his second straight game.