04/08/2010 - 12:19
Winless Without Al
by
Matt Martino
A personal matter forced Big Al Jefferson to leave the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this week and No. 25 was inactive for Wednesday’s game with the Golden State Warriors
While Minnesota's effort was admirable in the absence of their best player, it wasn’t enough to defeat the Warriors at home. Golden State head coach Don Nelson won his 1,333rd game, setting an NBA record, as the Warriors held off the Timberwolves, 116-107.
Down by as many as 27, the Wolves clawed back to within four with 43 seconds remaining. However, Golden State maintained their lead as Anthony Morrow closed the game out at the free throw line, and the players mobbed their 69-year-old coach when the final buzzer sounded.
Kevin Love replaced Al in the starting lineup. It was the first time since January 23 that the Love received that starting nod. Love responded well, tallying 17 points and 18 rebounds.
In fact, Minnesota’s entire team picked up their play in Al’s absence. All five Wolves starters scored at least 16 points while eight of the nine Wolves who played recorded an assist, led by Jonny Flynn's eight dimes.
But without Al, their leading scorer, Minnesota didn’t quite have enough offense to keep up with the run-and-gun Warriors.
No. 25 missed practice on Tuesday and the shoot-around on Wednesday morning. The Wolves are now 0-5 this season without No. 25 in the lineup. Coach Kurt Rambis said that Al could possibly return for Thursday’s practice.
Big Al is averaging 17.4 points and 9.4 rebounds this season while working his way back from reconstructive surgery on his right knee. He has played in 73 of Minnesota's 78 games. None of those absences were due to his knee.
NEXT UP
Friday, The Wolves host the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers (55-22). The team then travels to New Orleans for Sunday’s contest against the Hornets (35-44).
No. 25 is likely to suit up against the Lakers, a team in which he has averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks against in their two previous meetings.
RELATED STORIES
Wolves' latest loss is big win for Nelson (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, April 8, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/90131947.html?page=1&c=y
A record-breaking missed chance (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, April 8, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/On_the_Wolves.html
Wolves deactivate Jefferson (AP, April 7, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5065230
Nelson sets NBA's career victories mark in Warriors' defeat of Wolves (AP. April 7, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300407016
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