04/05/2010 - 17:22
A Growing Repertoire
by
Matt Martino
He's a superb rebounder and post player, and now, Big Al Jefferson is evolving into quite the passer, too.
That was the verdict after Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when No. 25 did his best impression of Darko Milicic (out with a mild concussion).
Without the seven-footer’s vision in the post available, Big Al used the opportunity to display his abilities as a facilitator as Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune described:
"Jefferson delivered a swift touch pass to Corey Brewer for a slashing slam dunk and spotted Jonny Flynn free for a layup early on.
"He hit me with a Darko pass," rookie point guard Johnny Flynn said about one of Al’s three assists. "It's tough for everybody learning this system, knowing what you can and can't do. When Al sees Darko make a pass like that, he sees what's possible. It's definitely rubbing off."
Al concurred that watching the versatility of his fellow big man has given No. 25 some good ideas.
"I see myself looking at passes now that I never would have looked at before." Al added to the Star-Tribune. "[Milicic] helps me open my eyes up to the game because he can pass, he can score, he does all the right things on offense. I see the things he does in games. Now, I think I'm a lot better making the right decisions."
Along with three assists, No. 25 also tallied 16 points, 7 rebounds, and a block during Sunday’s contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unfortunately, the Wolves fell short, 116-108, despite rallying from a 25-point deficit.
Big Al battling against Miami on Saturday (Getty Images). |
TOO MUCH HEAT
It was a different game with a similar outcome for Saturday’s contest against the Miami Heat.
Down 21 points in the third quarter, Minnesota scrambled back to within six with nine minutes remaining only to lose 97-84. Al finished with a team-high 12 points, five rebounds and a block.
Darko, who entered the game averaging 11 points and six rebounds in his previous seven games, had 10 points and blocked three shots before leaving in the second quarter after taking an elbow to the jaw from Jamaal Magloire. Milicic went to the locker room with 7:51 to play and the Wolves up two. Miami outscored Minnesota 22-11 the rest of the half, and Milicic didn't return.
Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis noted that without Darko, Big Al is often left by his lonesome in the post.
"Losing Darko hurt," coach Kurt Rambis said. "He's such an imposing presence inside defensively, so him not playing the second half hurt us."
NEXT UP
Wednesday, Minnesota hosts the up-tempo Golden State Warriors (23-53).
In two previous meetings with the Warriors, No. 25 has owned the paint, averaging 22 points and 8.5 rebounds.
RELATED STORIES
Jefferson learns from absent Milicic (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, April 5, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/89877587.html?page=1&c=y
Heat's Wade burns Timberwolves for 39 points in win (Pioneer Press, April 4, 2010)
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_14816588?source=rss
Durant nets 40 to break team record for scoring as Thunder drop Wolves (AP, April 4, 2010)
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300404025
Wade, Richardson pace Heat in win over Timberwolves (AP, April 3, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300403016
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