Miller missed his second consecutive game because of a sprained right ankle suffered Wednesday in a game at Orlando. He spent many minutes shooting before the Wolves’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center, then said he needed a breather.
“It feels decent, but I can’t get a full spring,” Miller said. “When I jump and cut, it really hurts my toes. Jumping and cutting is a big part of the game. I am ready to play, but at the same time, I have to listen to the trainers and my body.”
Wolves coach Randy Wittman said Miller is day to day, but Miller hopes to return Tuesday when the team plays host to Utah.
With Miller out, Wittman put veteran center Jason Collins back into the starting lineup and returned Al Jefferson to his natural power forward. But he sent rookie Kevin Love, Friday night’s starter, out to begin the second half after Love had a nine-point, eight-rebound first half. He finished with a career-high 15 rebounds.
Believe it or not, Wittman apparently warned his players about taking Saturday’s opponent lightly. “We reminded that team obviously is struggling, but they have Baron Davis, who has been an All-Star, and Marcus Camby, I believe, has been an All-Star,” Wittman said. “I don’t know if Zach Randolph has, but he has been close. We don’t have an All Star”
Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune talks to former Timberwolves player Tony Campbell.
Zgoda on Kevin Ollie:
It says a lot about the state of the team that a 35-year-old guard comes straight off a six-game injury absence and becomes featured and a starter because he plays defense and follows the game plan.
John Nguyen/Hoopsvibe on the Mayo for Love trade:
Why did this trade go down? Kevin McHale fell in love with Kevlar. He loves big men that listen to the Beach Boys while battling weight problems.
Dave D’Alessandro/The Star-Ledger on Jason Collins:
The short version: After they hit their tee shots during a round of golf in California on Sept. 8, Collins’ brother, Jarron, was driving the cart at around 12 to 15 mph on a slick path and didn’t anticipate a sharp left turn that was unmarked. The cart rolled over, and Jason landed flat on the concrete, elbow first.
Result: a ruptured triceps tendon, which required surgery.
“My brother (also) had an elbow injury — he fell on top of me,” Collins said. “And the cart fell on top of us. We were very fortunate that’s all it was — especially with what happened to Rodney Rogers.”
Lesson learned?
“We were just in Orlando, and I went out (Tuesday) for the first time to play golf,” Collins said. “And I drove. From now on, I drive.”
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