From the Wolves site:
Jefferson also became just the fourth Wolves player to earn Player of
the Week honors, joining Kevin Garnett (15 times), Stephon Marbury and
Sam Cassell (once each).
the Week honors, joining Kevin Garnett (15 times), Stephon Marbury and
Sam Cassell (once each).
Jefferson is only 23, but he looks older. He’s playing like it, too.
He’s averaging 21.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks a game. He is
one of just two NBA players averaging at least 20 points and 12
rebounds, along with Orlando’s Dwight Howard.
The Wolves suddenly have transformed themselves into winners — they
were six points away from a five-game winning streak, with a
three-point loss at Denver Jan. 19 and a one-point loss at Boston on
Friday — in good part by playing off Jefferson, who is nearly
unstoppable when he establishes position and catches the ball with one
foot in the free-throw lane.
were six points away from a five-game winning streak, with a
three-point loss at Denver Jan. 19 and a one-point loss at Boston on
Friday — in good part by playing off Jefferson, who is nearly
unstoppable when he establishes position and catches the ball with one
foot in the free-throw lane.
"He just dominates once he gets the ball in the paint," Telfair said.
"You can’t double-team him if he’s that close. You’re sending a guy
just to get a foul. … He’s working hard to get the ball where he
wants it. When he doesn’t, he’s passing the ball back out knowing we’re
going to get him the ball back."
"You can’t double-team him if he’s that close. You’re sending a guy
just to get a foul. … He’s working hard to get the ball where he
wants it. When he doesn’t, he’s passing the ball back out knowing we’re
going to get him the ball back."
Jefferson is not only improving his game on the basketball court,
but he is stepping up his game as a leader. He is quick to take the
blame when the team loses and the first to give credit to his teammates
when Minnesota wins. It is players such as this who find themselves
surrounded by teammates who love playing in unison with them and
growing together for what, as Minnesota’s roster believes, will be
great accomplishments in the future.
but he is stepping up his game as a leader. He is quick to take the
blame when the team loses and the first to give credit to his teammates
when Minnesota wins. It is players such as this who find themselves
surrounded by teammates who love playing in unison with them and
growing together for what, as Minnesota’s roster believes, will be
great accomplishments in the future.
Wittman is quick to point out that Jefferson still has a lot to learn, especially defensively.
Yet it only seems like a matter of time before Jefferson becomes a
fixture at the midseason showcase – right there with LeBron – and helps
validate the trade that sent the beloved KG to Boston.
fixture at the midseason showcase – right there with LeBron – and helps
validate the trade that sent the beloved KG to Boston.
It could come sooner rather than later, when the All-Star reserves are chosen by the coaches later this week.
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