New Wolves coach Flip Saunders' plan this season to improve his team's shooting from a year ago calls for his players to find, take and make better shots. They did none of the three Tuesday, when they shot 37.2 percent from the field and went 4-for-13 on three-pointers.

Add together the numbers for the three point guards who played and the Wolves went 4-for-21 at that position. Ricky Rubio and J.J. Barea each went 1-for-6. Forward Robbie Hummel also went 1-for-6.

Asked if his team's trouble was because of shooting or the shots, Saunders said: "A combination of both. I thought we were a little tired at times, we haven't had extensive scrimmaging.

"… Some guys felt the pressure. They rushed things, tried to do things too quick. That's expected the first night."

Stepping up

Saunders played 11 players 12 or more minutes Tuesday. Included was Glen Robinson III, who played the entire fourth quarter and looked more at ease than he did during Las Vegas Summer League play or in training camp.

He went 3-for-4 from the field, scored six points, had three assists, two rebounds and a steal.

"Everything for me is a step faster, guys are a step quicker, it was a big difference," said Robinson, a second-round pick (40th overall) last June. "But at the same time, I was calm. I tried to stay within myself and play my game. I think I did a good job."

Etc.

• The Wolves had an optional practice day Wednesday, their first off day since they started training camp nine days earlier.

• Saunders plans to play veterans Nikola Pekovic and Mo Williams on Friday against Philadelphia after resting both Tuesday. Injured Kevin Martin (groin) and Anthony Bennett (hip flexor) will be re-evaluated at Thursday's practice.