11/30/2009 - 15:34
Al, Wolves Stun Nuggets
by
Matt Martino
After 15 straight games of frustration, Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Wolves pushed aside weeks of futility and turned in a phenomenal performance Sunday, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets, 106-100.
Big Al chipped in 14 points, 9 rebounds, and three assists, his efforts complementing a 27-point outburst from Ryan Gomes. Afterward, Gomes spoke for everyone when he said that losing another game -- which would have tied the franchise record for consecutive losses -- was a fate Minnesota's players really wanted to avoid.
"That’s a record we really don’t want," Ryan Gomes told the Star-Tribune before heading into Denver to play the Nuggets.
Minnesota started the second half with a 14-0 run, and outscored Denver 38-12 in the third quarter to end the Nuggets 17-game home win streak.
"We came into the locker room and celebrated like we won a championship," said point Johnny Flynn, who was one-of-five starters to score double digits. "Everyone was hugging each other. It was hard going through this slide but with a great locker room and great coaching staff, it helped us through it. It just feels good to get another win in the win column."
At the same time, it was Minnesota's leader, Big Al, who kept things in perspective.
"Shoot, that’s just one win," Al reminded the Star-Tribune. "It’s a good win, but we got to keep it going. We don’t want to win one and relax."
NOVEMBER
Considering it was his first full month back from knee surgery, Al produced a decent November: 16.6 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and a block over the 13-game stretch. He also played 33 minutes a game, which may be the most positive sign that his knee is recovering properly.
NEXT UP
Heading into December, Minnesota (2-15) will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Last season, Al averaged an impressive 28.5 points on 60 percent shooting with 14 rebounds and two blocks in two games verse Memphis.
RELATED STORIES
Timberwolves' losing skid ends at 15 with 106-100 win in Denver (St. Paul Pioneer Press, November 30, 2009)
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_13891387?source=rss
Avoiding history: Wolves end losing streak at 15 games, 106-100 at Denver (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, November 30, 2009)
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wolves/2009/11/30/avoiding-history-w...
Wolves win for first time since season opener (AP, November 29, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291129007
Wolves head to Denver for Sunday’s game with record in reach (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Nov. 28, 2009)
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wolves/2009/11/28/wolves-head-to-den...
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