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"Best" and "Worst" awards: Sixers vs. Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS – This is my look at some of the best and worst performances from the 76ers' 85-77 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night at the Target Center.

Best performance: This goes to Michael Carter-Williams. The Sixers point guard finished with game highs of 20 points, nine assists and three steals. He also had nine rebounds and six turnovers. But five of those turnovers came before intermission. Carter-Williams didn't have a single giveaway in the fourth quarter. Five of his assists came in those final 12 minutes when he took over as the facilitator. 

Worst performance:  I had to give this to Anthony Bennett.  Bennett was the first overall pick last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was traded to the Timberwolves this summer along with rookie Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love. The forward struggled last season in Cleveland and struggled during his brief time on the court Wednesday. Bennett was held scoreless while missing his two shot attempts in 3 minutes, 35 seconds of action.  He did block one shot. But that was his lone highlight on this rough night.

Best defensive performance: K.J. McDaniels wins this award for the second consecutive game after finishing with a game-high four blocked shots to go with a steal. The Sixers rookie also finished with 12 points and nine rebounds and two assists. But it was his defense that carried him before stepping up offensively in the fourth.

Best performance in a losing effort: Gorgui Dieng gets this on a night when he finished with 15 points, a game-high 16 rebounds and two steals. He made 6 of 12 baskets to join reserve point guard Zach LaVine (3-for-6, six points) as the only Timberwolves to shoot at least 50 percent.

Worst statistic: This award goes to the Sixers for making just 1 of 17 three-pointers in the first three quarter.

Best statistic: I'm giving this to the Sixers for hitting 4 of 7 three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Worst of the Worst: This goes to the Timberwolves (4-13). I understand that they were playing without three starters and a key reserve. I get that. But Minnesota is awful. The Timberwolves better hurry up and get healthy. If not, maybe the national media will start following them around for a futility record. They have lost three straight and 11 of 13 games.

Follow Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers