Wolves record: 1-8  
 
 
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Barely breaking a sweat, James had 45 points, eight rebounds and five
assists to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 97-86 victory over the
Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
 
 
The Cavaliers went on a 10-0 run late in the game
after Minnesota pulled within 83-79. James made a layup and two
three-pointers during that run.
James’ big night – he added eight rebounds and five
assists while making 17 of 26 shots – came at the wrong time for
Minnesota, beleaguered on defense. 
 
 

The Timberwolves, who have the worst record in the league at 1-8, were
led by forward/center Al Jefferson’s 30 points and eight rebounds.

Jefferson, acquired from the Celtics in the Kevin Garnett trade, was
dominant on the low post. Regardless of what color jersey he wears, he
simply wears out the Cavs’ interior defenders. 

 

 

With starting center Theo Ratliff and reserve point guard Sebastian
Telfair missing Wednesday, Doleac became the surprise starter at center
and Madsen made his season debut. 

 

 

Starting for Minnesota tonight are Marko Jaric, Rashad McCants, Ryan
Gomes, Al Jefferson and Michael Doleac, the fifth different starting
lineup head coach Randy Wittman has used this season.   

 

 
Randy Wittman changed his starting lineup for the Cavs, putting Gomes
in ahead of rookie Corey Brewer and Doleac in instead of Antoine
Walker. He doesn’t want the rookie, who is having defensive issues
against bigger players, against LeBron. Doleac is in there to deal with
Z.
 

 


Corey Brewer didn’t play at all in the first half because he was late to shoot around this morning. Coach Wittman stated this is the NBA, it’s time to be a grownup and take care of yourself. Brewer didn’t do so and Wittman rightfully benched him. 
 
 
From the Star Tribune:
0 Points the Wolves got from the center position Wednesday night.