Wolves defense struggles in rout

Published Nov. 3, 2010 8:57 p.m. ET

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Posted: Nov. 3, 2010, 9:05 p.m. CT

By Anthony Maggio
FOXSportsNorth.com

When Dwight Howard was forced to the bench with a pair of fouls less than two minutes into the game, it seemed only fair for a Minnesota Timberwolves team missing starter Michael Beasley (hip contusion) and playing for a second consecutive night against an Eastern Conference powerhouse.

It may have been a blessing in disguise.

Playing most of the first half without their most imposing presence, the Orlando Magic set a franchise record with 78 first-half points en route to a 128-86 drubbing of the Wolves