12/28/2009 - 19:35
Finding a Rhythm
by
Matt Martino
Al Jefferson and his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates have struggled to find a rhythm all season in the triangle offense brought in by new coach Kurt Rambis.
But a win on Saturday marked the seventh victory of the season for the Wolves and also served as evidence that the team is finally comfortable with the new triangle offense.
Al led Minnesota to a 101-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Dec. 26 (Getty Images). |
"In the last seven games, this was the best rhythm we've had with our offense," Big Al told the Pioneer Press after Minnesota's 101-98 victory over the Washington Wizards.
"This year, if you notice, we're starting to play a lot better earlier this year than last year. I'm not saying we're going to make the playoffs, but if we keep moving the ball the way we are, getting guys open for shots, we're going to win some games."
No. 25 contributed to that his team's ball movement with a season-high five assists to go along with 11 points and five rebounds.
"I just keep hammering it with our guys: Get shots out of the offense," coach Kurt Rambis told the Star-Tribune. "There's a rhythm to the offense, a rhythm to the shots that come out of it. You have to take your shot."
Minnesota hit that rhythm in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Wizards 33-22.
Overall, the offense provided just 37.4 percent field-goal shooting for the night, but the Wolves had 23 assists to the Wizards' 12, got to the free-throw line 15 more times (even if they made only 28 of 39) and produced an efficient shooting night from Corey Brewer, who tallied a career-high 27 points.
The Wolves strength, however, continues to be rebounding. They rank third in the NBA and dominated the Wizards on the glass 56-45, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to 22 second chance points.
"Overall I was pleased with the way our guys played. We dominated the boards, we shot well, and we moved the basketball for the most part and played the way that we had to in order to get the win." Rambis said.
NEXT UP
Tuesday, the Wolves travel to San Antonio where they will battle the Spurs (17-11).
Last season, No. 25 matched up well with the great Tim Duncan. Al averaged 29 points, 11 rebounds, and shot 52% from the field in three games verse the Spurs.
RELATED STORIES
Flip Saunders sees his old team at its very best (Pioneer Press, December 27, 2009)
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_14075746?source=rss
Streak or no, Wolves double up nicely (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, December 27, 2009)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/80147337.html?page=1&c=y
Wolves Notch Second Straight Win (NBA.com, December 26, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/Wolves_Notch_Second_Straight_Win_20...
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