Wolves take a step back in loss to Spurs

Zach LaVine has first career double-double

December 7, 2014 at 5:24AM

Greetings for a final time from San Antonio, where the Wolves took a big step backward in a one-sided loss to the Spurs.

What an up and down season, as far as effort goes. Wolves coach Flip Saunders ripped the teams effort in a loss to Philly, and his guys respond with a strong effort in Friday's overtime loss to Houston.

And then this?

The Spurs were resting two starters and played Tim Duncan only 18-plus minutes. And yet the Spurs basically cruised after a run to end the first quarter.

"You play that way against Houston, and you come in here today? … That's what's disappointing."

Here are some nuggets from tonight's game.

--Zach LaVine became the fourth teenager to have a 20-point, 10-assist night in the NBA. LeBron James did it (eight times), as did Stephon Marbury (three times) as well as a fellow named Dejuan Wagner. And yet Saunders was in no mood to give anyone compliments. "Somebody's going to score, even when you're playing bad," he said.

--The only players Saunders gave even a little praise to was Shabazz Muhammad, who scored 20 points in 21-plus minutes of playing time, and Anthony Bennett, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

--Saunders said teams have taken to playing very physically against Andrew Wiggins, and the rookie has yet to respond. Tonight Kawhi Leonard was all over Wiggins, who scored six points on 3-for-13 shooting.

--Glen Robinson made his first three-pointer ever tonight. He scored 7 minutes in 12 minutes of playing time.

That's about it. The team flew home after the game, will have Sunday off and get back at it Monday. We'll see how they respond. Have a good night, and a good rest of your weekend.

about the writer

about the writer

Kent Youngblood

Reporter

Kent Youngblood has covered sports for the Minnesota Star Tribune for more than 20 years.

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