After the game was over nobody in the Wolves locker room was prepared to claim a moral victory after the team rallied from a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit to tie the game twice before losing 94-91,
I think that's a good thing.
Instead, one veteran after another – led by Ricky Rubio – lamented the poor start by the team. Whether that was due to a team filled with many players who very much need the upcoming All Star break or with too many young players who have yet to learn the need for consistent effort remains to be seen. But Wednesday, in an exciting fourth quarter, the Wolves stood toe-to-toe with a very good team.
Some thoughts on the game:
--In a way, it's too bad Andrew Wiggins is going to be busy this weekend. He could use a little rest. Coach Flip Saunders said so after the game, and Wiggins is clearly showing the wear of playing so many minutes in his first season. Wiggins was 3-for-7 for six points in 38-plus minutes tonight.
--Kevin Martin continues to shoot the ball very well. He scored another 21 points tonight, making three of five three-pointers. It was his second straight game with three or more three-pointers made.
--Nikola Pekovic finished the game with 17 points and 13 rebounds, his sixth double-double this season. His 13 rebounds were the most since he returned from injury Jan. 21. He's averaging 14.6 points and 6.5 rebounds since his return.
--Rubio's 18 points and nine rebounds were both season highs. He also hit two three-pointers. He is 6-for-13 on three-pointers since his return from injury.
