Gomes' scoring, confidence soar

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: January 23, 2008 - 10:56 PM

Ryan Gomes' game Monday at Golden State was an exclamation point on what is turning into a productive run for the third-year forward.

Gomes had career highs in points (35) and free throws (11) as well as 11 rebounds. All impressive. But perhaps most interesting is that it was the latest in a trend of good games.

Heading into Wednesday's game against Phoenix, Gomes had scored 20 or more points in four of six games. In a 16-game streak of consecutive starts he had averaged 16.2 points and 7 rebounds per game, shooting 50.5 percent. On Wednesday, he scored 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds.

The biggest reason for this renaissance?

Make that reasons.

Wolves coach Randy Wittman has been using his small lineup almost exclusively in recent weeks, one that puts Gomes at the power forward position. That often will give him an offensive mismatch, which forces the opponent's power forward to cover him on the perimeter.

But the Wolves also have done a good job of posting up Gomes -- and getting him the ball -- when he's matched up against a smaller player. That's what happened at Golden State, where he often was guarded by Baron Davis.

And then there is Gomes' confidence, which has soared along with his shooting percentage. Wittman's confidence in Gomes has grown, too, which means more plays called for Gomes.

"Right now he has great confidence in his shot," Wittman said. "When that happens, other parts of his game open up."

Oh, and here's another thing: "I think the biggest difference is that I'm grabbing rebounds and getting to the free-throw line. That's been a key to productivity," Gomes said.

Ratliff recovering

Wolves center Theo Ratliff has cleared another hurdle on his return from Dec. 18 surgery on his right knee. Ratliff was back in Birmingham, Ala., on Monday for a checkup with surgeon James Andrews. Ratliff returned to the Twin Cities with good news.

"Everything looks good," Ratliff said. "[Andrews] said to start doing basketball stuff again, working on my feet. I'm running now. It's all about getting the strength back, getting in shape, getting ready to play."

Ratliff has not yet returned to full-contact practice, but that could happen soon. He said his goal is to be playing again just before the All-Star break; the Wolves' last game before the break is Feb. 13.

"He's been doing more and more each day since he's been back here," Wittman said.

Wittman heading home

Thanks to owner Glen Taylor, Wittman was able to coach Wednesday night and still be in Indianapolis today to attend the funeral for his father-in-law, who died Sunday.

Taylor arranged for a private plane to take Wittman to Indiana after the game. Wittman will fly from Indianapolis to Boston on Friday morning to re-join the team for Friday night's game against the Celtics.

Assistant coach Jerry Sichting -- who filled in when Witt- man had back surgery earlier this season -- will run practice today.