11/24/2009 - 19:30
Getting Close, but Still Short
by
Matt Martino
Another double-double from Al Jefferson was not enough for the Minnesota Timberwolves to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
No. 25 finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds in a season high 40 minutes, but a driving layup by Los Angeles' Baron Davis with 8.5 seconds sent the Wolves home with a 91-87 loss.
Minnesota (1-13) took a lead into the fourth quarter for the first time this season before former Wolves player Sebastian Telfair hit back-to-back jumpers to spark a Clippers run.
The Wolves fought back from an 85-77 deficit and pulled within 89-87 with a minute to play, only to turn the ball over, leading to Davis’ winning layup.
"We were taking sloppy shots during the fourth quarter and we were not executing," coach Kurt Rambis said. "We tried to do too much at one time. We play as individuals and not as a whole team, and that's when we get into trouble. We are working on that, and I have faith that this young team will get better and win these games."
Al added three steals and two blocks and lead Minnesota to an early 7-0 advantage with the game's first two buckets.
COMING AROUND
While it remains obvious that No. 25 is not 100 percent healthy, his recent increase in minutes played is a positive sign towards his progression.
In his last three contests, Al has averaged 36 minutes a game with 17.7 points, 11 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks.
NEXT UP
The Wolves need a win Wednesday when they host the Denver Nuggets (9-4). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST and all the action can be seen on FSN-Minnesota.
Last season, Big Al averaged 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in three games against the Nuggets.
RELATED STORIES
Thornton has 31, Davis makes key layup in Clippers' win (AP, November 23, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291123012
Wolves come close, but that doesn't cut it (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, November 24, 2009)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/72011187.html?page=1&c=y
Timberwolves match worst start in team history with loss to Clippers (St. Paul Pioneer Press, November 24, 2009)
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_13855290?nclick_check=1
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