01/25/2010 - 17:22
AJ Cleans Glass, Scores Big
by
Devon Jeffreys
Al Jefferson scored 25 points and pulled in 13 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves against the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.
But Al and Co. were bit by a case of déjà vu when James Posey drove the lane for a buzzer beating layup to send the Hornets to a 99-97 win.
Al going to the basket against Andrew Bogut (Getty Images). |
It was eerily similar to the way the Hornets had beaten Minnesota in December, on a similar move by Chris Paul. The result left Al in a state of disbelief as he told the Star-Tribune:
"Two games, two layups at the buzzer," grumbled Wolves forward Al Jefferson. "Same play, different option -- that's amazing, we got beat with it twice."
In defeat, No. 25 put forth a great individual effort. Big Al dominated Emeka Okafor in the post, pulling down 10 defensive boards and blocking a pair of shots. He also had two steals and an assist. Al's control over Okafor was well received by Phil Miller of the Star-Tribune:
"Al Jefferson seemed particularly pained by the play, and it's no wonder. He had so overpowered Emeka Okafor inside, it seemed he could have scored 50 points if the Wolves had gotten him the ball a little more. Yes, it seems odd to suggest that a guy who took 21 shots didn't get the ball enough, but it was obvious how helpless the Hornets' defense was against him."
But Al was most disappointed because once again Minnesota had overcome a double-digit deficit to get in position to win, only to fall.
"We did a great job to come back," Jefferson said. "It's just ... that one play. That's it."
BUCKS BUCKLE DOWN
The Wolves completed the second game of a back-to-back on Saturday when they traveled to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks.
The Bucks held Al just short of yet another double-double with nine point and 10 rebounds in a 127-94 Timberwolves loss. The big man also dished out a pair of assists, but wasn't please with his own performance.
"Bogut did a great job denying me the ball," Jefferson said. "Things weren't going well for me. It happens."
NOTHING FOR FREE
In a recent study for the Pioneer Press, Ray Richardson looks at Big Al's relative lack of trips to the free throw line compared to some of his peers at the center position.
"It's something I've been dealing with my whole career ... not being more consistent in getting to the line," Jefferson said. "It's not a big issue with me, but it would be a lot better for the team if I got to the line more."
Big Al has taken just 164 trips to the line this season where he is 114-164. By comparison, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has taken 447 trips to the charity stripe this year. Al ranks 11th in the league in free throw attempts by centers and Richardson believes the lack of trips might stem from the fact that No. 25's post moves are too good, as he writes:
"Jefferson is aware that his post-up moves draw minimal contact for an inside player, but it's not an approach he plans to change. He said he doesn't want to go into tonight's game against New Orleans at Target Center thinking about getting more trips to the line.
"One of the reasons I don't get a lot of calls from the refs is that when I ball fake, I go away from guys," Jefferson said. "I don't lean into guys to draw fouls. I haven't gotten that part into my game yet, where I consistently draw the contact and still go up for my shot. I do sometimes, but I'm not consistent with it. It's something I have to get better at."
For more from Richardson's study, click here.
NEXT UP
The Wolves continue their three game road-trip on Tuesday night in the Big Apple where they'll take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST and the game can be hears on AM 1130 KFAN.
RELATED STORIES
Next time they'll get it right – right (Star-Tribune, January 23, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/82471292.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUUUgOy9c...
Wolves try at comeback falls in familiar fashion (Star-Tribune, January 23, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/82433242.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7...
Jefferson's style leads to Timberwolves baskets but not free throws (Pioneer Press, January 22, 2010)
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_14242127?nclick_check=1
Al Jefferson: Too good to get fouled (AOL FanHouse, January 22, 2010)
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/01/22/al-jefferson-too-good-to-get-fouled/
For encore: Bucks once again make Jefferson disappear (Star-Tribune, January 24, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/82531277.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUUUU
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