12/23/2009 - 17:00
A Glimpse Of What Lies Ahead
by
Matt Martino
Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Timberwolves saw the future Tuesday night during a 112-87 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at the Target Center.
Atlanta is off to a 20-7 start to this season, second-best in franchise history after a 69-loss disaster that occurred only a few years ago, during coach Mike Woodson's first season.
"We started with a bunch of babies six years ago, 18-, 19- and 20-year-old kids, and they've grown," Woodson told the Star-Tribune. "Our core guys have been together now for four years, and it makes a big difference."
Al scored 12 of his 17 points Tuesday in the second half en route to a double-double (Getty Images). |
Al Jefferson is the leader of Minnesota’s core, and he put together a great second half, scoring 12 of his 17 points on 5-for-7 shooting. The big man tallied 10 boards as well for his ninth double-double in the last 11 games.
His right-hand man and second-year forward Kevin Love added 15 points and 19 rebounds. He understands the value of persistence:
"They're the example -- they got their players young and kept them together. They worked together during the summers; they stay together during the season. They didn't trade many guys. They have high points and low points, but they stuck together."
New Wolves president David Kahn said the Hawks, Thunder and Trail Blazers are three organizations the Wolves are studying as they go about their own rebuilding project:
"I think there is something to be said for letting young people stay together and grow together."
MADE IN THE PAINT
The future in Minnesota looked bright last Friday against the Sacramento Kings. Bright and strong as Big Al and his front court mate, Kevin Love, owned the paint in a 112-96 victory.
Al finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Love tallied 20 points and 16 rebounds to go along with 5 assists.
"He looks real good," No.25 said of his post partner.
The pair led the way for Minnesota’s efficient night at the Target Center. The Wolves accumulated a 58-46 advantage on points in the paint, shot 55 percent from the floor, and scored 27 fast break points.
Minnesota used a 9-2 run to open up the second half and obtain control of the game.
"The guys did a good job of executing the game plan," coach Kurt Rambis told the Pioneer Press. "For the most part, I could see them doing the right things."
BOSTON DIAGRAM
Unfortunately, those same things weren’t going right during a loss in Boston on Sunday.
In front of their home crowd, the Boston Celtics opened up the game with a 15-2 run. The Wolves never recovered, losing 122-104 on Sunday night.
As usual, Al played well against his former teammates, finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds. He also remained positive despite his clubs’ turbulence since his arrival from Boston.
"It’s a blessing to be in the league," he told the Boston Herald. "I’m just happy I’m still in the NBA. I’d rather be in the NBA losing than not be in it at all."
"Overnight, the Celtics went from, when I was here, one of the worst teams in the league to winning the championship the next year. It can happen, but it’s just going to take time. . . . I just think that in the long run something good is going to happen for me and Ryan Gomes (another former Celtic) and all the other guys on this team."
NEXT UP
Minnesota boards a plane tonight for a one-night east coast jaunt to New Jersey. The rematch pits the Nets (2-26) and Wolves (5-24) against one another for the final time this year. On opening night at the Target Center, Minnesota snatched a buzzer beater victory behind a last-second put-back layup from Damien Wilkins.
Big Al finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in his return from knee surgery.
RELATED STORIES
Al Jefferson plays with perspective (Boston Herald, December 21, 2009)
http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20091221al_j...
Boston Celtics roll over Minnesota Timberwolves (Pioneer Press, December 20, 2009)
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_14038670?source=rss
Celtics hit season high in points in win behind 29 from Pierce (AP, December 20, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291220002
Love's double-double carries Timberwolves past Sacramento (Pioneer Press, December 19, 2009)
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_14029864?source=rss&nclick_check=1
Wolves Storm Past Kings (NBA.com, December 18, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/Wolves_Storm_Past_Kings_2009_12_18....
Love logs fifth straight double-double in Wolves' win (AP, December 18, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291218016
In defeat, Wolves sneak a peek at future (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, December 23, 2009)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/79942012.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP...
Crawford, Johnson help Hawks equal best start in franchise history (AP, December 22, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291222016
Wolves Lose to Hawks (NBA.com, December 22, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/Wolves_Lose_to_Hawks_2009_12_22.htm...
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