The Timberwolves encountered overtime for the first time this season
but couldn’t pull off a victory in a 111-108 loss to the Seattle
SuperSonics in 53 minutes of action Sunday night at Target Center. Al
Jefferson led the way with 30 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high
five assists in the loss.
"We had relax mode coming out to start the game (which) put us behind
the eight-ball, said head coach Randy Wittman. "That’s where we lost
this game. We came out the second half and moved the ball. The first
half was the exact opposite."
the second, the Wolves rose with a 9-2 burst to finish the first half
and with a robust third quarter that left them five times with a
four-point lead that they ultimately couldn’t protect in the fourth
quarter’s final four minutes.
Missed free throws — Corey Brewer’s with 10 seconds left in
regulation, Jefferson’s two consecutive late in overtime, nine in the
game overall — hurt. So, too, did the Wolves’ gambling instincts when
they twice went for steals after Brewer’s missed free throws and
surrendered Sonics rookie Kevin Durant’s speedy rush to the basket that
tied the score with 4.2 seconds left and sent it to overtime after Ryan
Gomes missed the potential game-winner at the regulation buzzer.
defensive end," Jefferson said. "He kind of reminds me of a tougher
Corey Brewer, a stronger Corey. Kirk was big for us. Him and Corey out
there together on the defensive end give us a lot of energy on the
court."
Jefferson, who recorded his 41st double-double, struggled to find his rhythm early, but Minnesota got a nice lift from McCants and improving rookie Corey Brewer. Brewer, who’s been showing more confidence lately, went 5-for-10 from the floor for 14 points, hustled for some key turnovers and hit some timely shots to help the Wolves keep pace with Seattle as the game wore on.
this game comes down to a single statistic. In close games, each
possession and each point is critical. The Sonics shot 19-22 from the
free throw stripe, while the Wolves shot a horrible 13-22 from the
charity stripe.
Well at least we know the Sonics are a better team than the Minnesota
Timberwolves, as they have now beaten their Northwest Division rival
three times this season, good for nearly 19 percent of their victories.
what coach Randy Wittman called a thigh contusion that has bled down
toward his knee. Jaric played six minutes in Friday’s loss at Cleveland
after injuring the thigh on Wednesday in Toronto.
both sat in street clothes a row behind the Wolves’ bench.
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