02/18/2010 - 16:43
Wolves Keep Showing Signs
by
Matt Martino
Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Timberwolves started off very strong on Wednesday night, but couldn’t finish off the Wizards in Washington.
Minnesota had a 20-8 lead early and maintained their edge all the way until late in the fourth quarter. But they surrendered a 14-4 run late, sealing Washington’s 108-99 victory.
Al played just 27 minutes but still finished with a solid overall night: 18 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block.
No. 25's 18 points were a team-high for Minnesota. The Big man started just as strong as his teammates did, putting up 10 points as the T-Wolves rode out to a 31-25 lead after one.
As he always does, Big Al did his work in the paint, scoring with running bank shots, driving reverse layups and even a pair of jump hooks. He missed only one of his six shots in that first frame. No. 25 also collected five of his seven boards in the first quarter.
Washington didn't take the lead until Mike Miller hit a 3-pointer with 4:32 left in the fourth quarter for a 94-91 advantage. He quickly hit two more 3-pointers as the Wizards built a 102-93 advantage with 2:42 remaining.
NEXT UP
Friday, Minnesota (13-42) hosts the Chicago Bulls (27-26) and then the Oklahoma City Thunder (31-21) on Sunday.
Al will be looking for redemption against the Bulls; they held him to just 12 points and eight rebounds during their first matchup. No. 25’s first encounter with the Thunder was more typical. Al finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
RELATED STORIES
Amid another loss, Wolves bid farewell to Cardinal (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, February 18, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/84637222.html
Kahn gives epic bust a chance (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, February 18, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/84664447.html
With Jamison out, Blatche has 33 to lift Wizards (AP, February 17, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300217027
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