01/28/2010 - 15:50
Post Primer
by
Matt Martino
When both Big Al Jefferson and his cohort, Kevin Love, post double-doubles, Minnesota usually dominates the paint.
But Wednesday was the rare outlier when that wasn’t the case on as both men doubled up in a 109-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs claimed a 60-34 points-in-the-paint advantage.
Al finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block. It was No. 25's 21st double-double of the season and his fourth straight game with at least 10 boards.
Kevin Love chipped in 20 and 10 off the bench.
Overall, the Wolves played far better than their two previous games in which they were routed. Minnesota only committed eight turnovers and held LeBron James to 12 points on 3-of-8 shooting. The Cavs compensated by converting 24-of-28 from the line while shooting 55 percent from the floor.
Down 21 points at halftime, Minnesota pulled within 10 late in the game but was unable to gain any more ground.
"I was much more pleased with their effort," coach Kurt Rambis told the Star-Tribune. "I was happier with the way they played. A lot of it has to do with their mental approach and focus. I like the way our guys fought."
NEXT UP
The Wolves return to the Target Center this weekend where they will host the Los Angeles Clippers (20-25) on Friday and then rematch the New York Knicks (18-26) on Sunday.
This will be the fourth and final matchup between the Wolves and the Clippers. In their three previous games, Al has averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, and a block. The Wolves have yet to beat the Clips.
On Sunday, No. 25 and Co. will be looking to redeem themselves after a loss at Madison Square Garden this Tuesday.
RELATED STORIES
Wolves bow to the anti-Wolves in predictable loss to Cavs (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, January 28, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/82827657.html
A real game wrap (Canis Hoopus, January 27, 2010)
http://feeds.feedburner.com/sportsblogs/canishoopus.xml
Cavs win sixth straight behind Hickson's career-best 23 (AP, January 27, 2010)
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300127005
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