The magnificent Suns’ offense fell flat in the second half and Al Jefferson tied a career-high with 32 points to go with 20 rebounds to carry the Timberwolves to a 100-93 victory on Saturday night.
”Whatever it was, we’re glad to have it,” Jefferson said.
The Timberwolves entered the game with a league-worst 2-15 record, but dominated on the boards to snap a five-game losing streak.
Marko Jaric added 19 points and Craig Smith had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Wolves, who outrebounded Phoenix 55-33.
Wolves record: 3-15
Mike Trudell/Timberwolves site with an “A-Z” list of game highlights.
Paul Coro/Arizona Republic on the game.
“Real satisfying,” said Al Jefferson, who tied his career high with 32
points and added a season-high 20 rebounds. That is an understatement,
considering that Jefferson became the first Timberwolves player not
named Garnett to score 30 points with 20 rebounds in franchise history.
“This feels good,” said guard Marko Jaric, whose memory of January’s
victory over Phoenix has been clouded by too many losses since. “It
feels good, especially beating one of the best teams in the NBA. We’ve
been fighting really hard, trying to get the monkey off our back. It
was an amazing team effort.”
Marko Jaric and Sebastian Telfair at guard, Corey Brewer and Craig
Smith at forward and Al Jefferson at center — was the starting lineup
Saturday.
Smith at forward and Al Jefferson at center — was the starting lineup
Saturday.
This happened for two reasons: Coach Jerry Sichting, subbing for ailing
Randy Wittman, started five guys who care instead of five guys with
dubious potential or pedigrees, and Jefferson played as if someone
insulted his mama.
Timberwolves Today has a postgame podcast.
From Suns blog Bright Side Of The Sun:
This is definitely an “A” night for the Timberwolves and their fans.
But they got a huge assist from a tired and seemingly uninspired Suns
team.
From the Star Tribune:
3-2 The Wolves’ record when scoring 100 or more points.
93 and 13 The Suns’ total points and points in the fourth quarter, both season lows.
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