Minnesota played to a 45-45 tie at halftime, then slowly succumbed to Memphis, which snapped a seven-game losing streak and improved to 2-8.

The Timberwolves pulled to within 87-80 on a three-point play by Corey Brewer and consecutive baskets by Ryan Gomes and Jonny Flynn with two minutes remaining, but inside baskets by DeMarre Carroll and Zach Randolph essentially iced the game.

Minnesota hasn't won since its season opener, a 95-93 victory over New Jersey -- the NBA's only winless team at 0-10 after Saturday's one-point loss to Miami. The Timberwolves had four losing streaks of at least seven games last season and lost 13 straight from Nov. 19-Dec. 23.

"It's kind of who we are as a team; we do things well in pockets," Rambis said. "I'm working with them and encouraging them to, instead of making them bubbles, making them longer periods of time."

Jefferson, grieving the death of his grandmother with family in Florida, missed his second straight game. He is expected back Monday. Love has yet to play this season because of a broken hand suffered in an exhibition game. He isn't expected back until next month.

Corey Brewer led the Timberwolves with 16 points but was 7 for 19 from the field. Center Ryan Hollins had 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds. O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay each scored 19 for Memphis.

"We play well through a certain span, or until the third quarter," Hollins said. "Then we'll hit that lull -- one bad pass, two bad passes. Before you know it, we're down 10 points. If you erase those moments in all our games, we'll give ourselves a chance."

Up next:vs. Rockets, 7 p.m. Wednesday, FSN