From the AP recap:
Al Jefferson had 21 points and 13 rebounds Friday night to help the Timberwolves record a rare road win and snap a five-game losing streak with a 111-103 victory over the slumping Sacramento Kings.
Also from the recap:
Rashad McCants score 22 points for Minnesota, which took the lead in the
second quarter and never relinquished it against a Kings team that has allowed
100 or more points in 10 straight games.
second quarter and never relinquished it against a Kings team that has allowed
100 or more points in 10 straight games.
Wolves record: 13-48
Sactown Royalty recap
Sam Amick/Sacramento Bee recap
Star Tribune recap
Led by Al Jefferson’s 21 points and 13 rebounds, the Wolves secured
every significant interior statistic. The Wolves led in points in the
paint (21-9), rebounds (40-37), offensive boards (14-9) and field goal
percentage (51.8).
every significant interior statistic. The Wolves led in points in the
paint (21-9), rebounds (40-37), offensive boards (14-9) and field goal
percentage (51.8).
The interior production for the Wolves also came off the bench as
second-year forward Craig Smith scored 18 points to lead the Wolves
reserves, who outscored the Kings 56-21.
second-year forward Craig Smith scored 18 points to lead the Wolves
reserves, who outscored the Kings 56-21.
Without Ron Artest, the Kings knew it would be an uphill battle and
Martin did the most he could to rise to the challenge. The Kings
shooting guard not only set a career-high in points, but also a
personal record and Sacramento era record for free throws made in a
game (22-of-24).
Martin did the most he could to rise to the challenge. The Kings
shooting guard not only set a career-high in points, but also a
personal record and Sacramento era record for free throws made in a
game (22-of-24).
"We won this game in practice yesterday," Wittman said. "We focused on
making the simple plays for your teammates: Don’t hold the ball, share
the ball. Sixteen assists, that’s as good a first half as we’ve played.
Our guys have proven they can do it. It’s not a matter of who gets the
shots or who scores the points."
making the simple plays for your teammates: Don’t hold the ball, share
the ball. Sixteen assists, that’s as good a first half as we’ve played.
Our guys have proven they can do it. It’s not a matter of who gets the
shots or who scores the points."
The Wolves lost starting point guard Sebastian Telfair in the third
quarter to what Wittman called a badly sprained ankle. Telfair’s
teammates responded all night by each of them playing his position.
Even big Chris Richard turned playmaker, hooking up with former college
teammate Corey Brewer for several nice passing players that resulted in
the two of them combining for eight assists.
quarter to what Wittman called a badly sprained ankle. Telfair’s
teammates responded all night by each of them playing his position.
Even big Chris Richard turned playmaker, hooking up with former college
teammate Corey Brewer for several nice passing players that resulted in
the two of them combining for eight assists.
Odenized has video of Telfair sustaining the injury.
Minnesota’s balanced scoring was key; Al Jefferson,
Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith and Rashad McCants all scored at least 17
points. McCants led the Wolves with 22 points.
Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith and Rashad McCants all scored at least 17
points. McCants led the Wolves with 22 points.
Coach Randy Wittman said the Wolves had 25 assists, and he credited his team for its passing.