Wolves: A More Acceptable Loss
By Stephen Litel
December 20th, 2008
The outcome of the Timberwolves game against the Houston Rockets Saturday night was the same as we are used to seeing. In the end, Houston left the Target Center the victors, dropping Minnesota to 2-11 in front of the hometown crowd. However, the home team on the court was unfamiliar to those who follow the team regularly, as they were competitive for an entire game.
Even though Mike Miller went down early with an injury, the Timberwolves showed competence in scoring the ball for the first time in weeks. As the first quarter concluded, the difference in the offense was quite noticeable and as it should have been from Day One of the season and as Kevin McHale promised since he took over as the coach…
The offense played through Al Jefferson.
No one knows exactly what happened during the team’s player only meeting this week, but the initial difference is Jefferson took it upon himself to lead his team more. From the very beginning of the game, Big Al attacked Yao Ming, facing the basket and making the slower, but bigger player to move his feet. As television broadcasts certainly compared Ming to Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Jefferson’s array of up-and-under moves, spins, inside pivots and posterizing dunks reminded more of the Hall of Famer.
While Jefferson began the game as the team’s focal point, he also showed a bit more personality than is his norm. He worked the refs, he cheered on teammates, he chastised the same teammates for bone-headed play and was heard yelling, “Come on, guys. Let’s get a stop! Let’s get a stop!” Anyone who pays attention to this team knows Jefferson doesn’t play awe-inspiring defense, so it was a pleasant surprise to hear that from the big man. Portions of the team’s future success may hinge on whether that commitment remains present.
Jefferson’s early dominance--and willingness to pass out of the double team--set the table for better performances from Rashad McCants and Randy Foye. McCants was able to step in for the injured Miller to provide scoring the team desperately needs, hitting outside shots and putting the ball on the floor to drive to the hoop. Foye struggled in the first half, as he settled for outside shots. Yet, in the second half, he also put his head down, put the ball on the floor and attacked the rim. Both players gave Jefferson fine support and it makes you wonder what would occur if they could do so on a regular basis.
Yes, it’s another in a long line of losses for the Timberwolves. If they can continue to play and, more importantly, compete in the manner they did against the Rockets, they could still find a way to make progress this season. If the effort remains the same, if Jefferson can continue to lead and if a teammate or two can help him out every once in a while, the Timberwolves might wrack up more acceptable losses…and, maybe even a win or two every blue moon.
