Wolves record: 5-22
They also used their muscle and might to win after they unsuccessfully tried to run with the Kings in Sacramento six days earlier.
Pounding the ball inside with a frontcourt that outscored the opposition’s 52-18 and also outrebounded them, the Wolves led from start to finish for the first time this season and head to Boston for a game on Sunday with easily their most lopsided victory of the season.
The in-game defensive adjustment from Rambis proved to be valuable when the head coach placed Damien Wilkins on rookie sensation Tyreke Evans. Wilkins utilized his strength to handcuff the 6-foot-6 point guard and limiting him to just 10 points. Offensively, Wilkins contributed a solid 16 points in 33 minutes while replacing the injured Ryan Gomes, who continues to nurse a sprained ankle.
“It’s always good to see Corey get off like that,” said Al Jefferson, who finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. “He was out there making plays and shots. He’s been playing well lately.”
The same could be said for Love, who generated his fourth consecutive double-double. Love also was a factor in the third quarter with seven straight points, including a three-point play.
“So (Love) looks at me and goes, ‘Well, do you want me to crash the offensive boards, or do you want me to get back on defense?’ ” Kurt Rambis said afterward.
Rambis’ deadpan answer: “Yes.”
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