04/12/2010 - 15:42
Back In the Middle
by
Matt Martino
Big Al Jefferson returned to the starting lineup on Sunday after missing two games to attend a hospitalized family member.
Unfortunately, the return of their leading scorer didn’t help the Wolves as the New Orleans Hornets beat Minnesota 114-86 at New Orleans Arena.
Before the game, coach Kurt Rambis told the Star-Tribune that his starting power forward "feels good."
"He still has concern for his family member and the struggles that are going on there," Rambis added. "He feels very confident that situation is getting better, and he feels good about getting back on the basketball court."
But whether it be some rust from his layoff or his emotions playing high on his mind, Al was noticeably off in his return. He was limited to only five points and three rebounds.
While Al's was kept in check, Rambis let his emotions boil over and was ejected early in the second quarter. Al was called for traveling while attempting a reverse layup and Rambis argued the call with officials. The coach's protests drew two quick technical fouls, the first from official Eli Roe and the other from Ron Garretson. The second tech triggered the coach's ejection.
The Hornets utilized Rambis’ ejection to end the period on an 11-0 run and take a 58-39 lead into halftime.
NEXT UP
Minnesota (15-65) plays tonight in San Antonio (49-31) and needs one win in its final two games to avoid matching the worst record in franchise history, set in 1991-92.
This season, Al is averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks when matched-up with Spurs Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan. The Wolves’ final game of 2009-10 is on Wednesday at home against the Detroit Pistons (26-54)
RELATED STORIES
Rambis tossed early in another lopsided loss (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, April 12, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/90577124.html?page=1&c=y
Hornets snap five-game skid with win over Timberwolves (AP, April 11, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300411003
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