Job becomes more upbeat after a win

By BRIAN STENSAAS, Star Tribune

Last update: November 20, 2008 - 9:55 PM

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From the head coach on down, the mood at Timberwolves practice Thursday was noticeably upbeat. Finally protecting a lead after blowing so many will do that to a team.

"Well needed," coach Randy Wittman said a day after Wednesday's 102-96 victory over Philadelphia. "It's a more relaxed state of mind, but still very focused [Thursday], which was good to see. You can see the smiles on the faces and a little but more relaxed atmosphere."

While it was nice to see his team preserve a victory over the final minutes, what impressed Wittman most was the Wolves' lack of panic, particularly on consecutive possessions about midway through the fourth quarter.

The 76ers' Andre Miller made a long jump shot after holding the ball for 19 seconds, and Elton Brand converted on a line-drive fade away shot after initially being blocked by Kevin Love. The four points got Philadelphia to within six.

In previous games, such sequences deflated the Wolves. Wednesday night, they countered.

"That's a step in a positive direction," Wittman said.

Smith shows up

In 26 minutes off the bench Wednesday, forward/center Craig Smith scored 21 points on 7-for-9 shooting. He last reached the 20-point mark on Feb. 1, when he had 21 against the Clippers.

"I'm never surprised by it," Wittman said of Smith's solid performance. "He has the ability, especially when teams try and go small which [Philadelphia] did a little bit moving Thaddeus Young to [power forward]."

Miller's big three

After fielding question after question regarding his season-low four-shot game at Denver on Sunday, Mike Miller attempted seven shots Wednesday. His last, a three-pointer with 30 seconds to go, put Minnesota ahead by four. "If it's there again [today], I'll take it again," Miller said.

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