MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves’ two stars are watching from the bench with injuries, and Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio are seeing a deep team respond with some inspired defense and unselfish offense to make up the difference.

Orlando’s only star is playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the young Magic are starting to find out that life without Dwight Howard will definitely take some getting used to.

Luke Ridnour had 19 points and five rebounds, and Greg Stiemsma got the rout started with six straight points to end the third quarter in Minnesota’s 90-75 victory over the Magic on Wednesday night.

Stiemsma finished with 12 points, five boards and two blocks, and Derrick Williams added 14 points and six boards for the Timberwolves, who are 3-1 for the first time since 2001. They led an ugly game by three points early in the third period before going on a staggering 28-6 surge that blew open the game.

“We’ve got a group of guys that is willing to work and wants to do the little things,” Stiemsma said. “We know we’re going to have to do it every night, especially now that we’re a little short-handed. We’re not going to make excuses and just go out and play our style.”

Defense has been out of style in Minnesota for the better part of a decade. But these plucky Wolves have made it the backbone to their early success. They blocked nine shots, made 11 steals and forced 20 turnovers to overwhelm the Magic.

J.J. Redick had 16 points, but the Magic shot just 35 percent, including just 3 for 12 on 3-pointers to lose their second straight game. Arron Afflalo added 12 points for Orlando.