Wolves Coast To Win Over Clippers
Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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"I was very pleased with how our guys started the basketball game," head coach Kurt Rambis said. "They were doing so many of the concepts that we we've been working on, at both ends of the floor."
In fact, one could argue a pregame decision led to the decisive win at the Target Center. Understanding the need for a shakeup, Rambis placed Ryan Hollins in the starting lineup at the power forward spot and moved Ryan Gomes back to small forward. Not only did the adjustment generate energy from the starters but it also created a stronger second unit with Kevin Love and Damien Wilkins coming off the bench.
"There's probably something we're going to have to continue to fiddle with. A lot of teams go small, I like to give Kevin [Love] more time out there on the floor even though he had a double-double, he probably needs to be in that thirty-minute-a-game range, but Ryan Hollins did a good job," Rambis said.
The Wolves jumped out to a 9-0 run in the first quarter and built an early lead behind Hollins' athleticism. The first-year Minnesota big man tied a career high with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field. As Los Angeles attempted to penetrate the lane, Hollins was quick to slide off the weak side in disrupting several shots. Benefiting from the improved team defense, the Wolves held the Clippers to only 28.6 percent shooting in the first period.
Rambis preached to the team that slipping in front of the opposition for charges will counter its lack of shot blockers. The home squad answered the bell and forced Los Angeles into several offensive fouls throughout the impressive victory.
"Everybody all the way down the line did a great job. I think that's what helped us win along with our defense," Love said.
On the other side, Jonny Flynn tallied nine of his 19 points during that crucial start to the game. Flynn, who was just selected to the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge on All-Star Weekend, played intelligent basketball with pinpoint accuracy off pick-and-roll halfcourt offense. In 31 minutes of court time, the rookie dished out eight dimes to snap the Wolves five-game losing skid.
Shooting guard Corey Brewer continued his stellar play over the last month with a team-high 20 points and timely shots down the stretch. His 10 points in the third quarter was essential to Minnesota withstanding a significant comeback attempt from Baron Davis and the Clippers.
Without 20-point scorer Chris Kaman in the paint, Davis channeled his youthful days in the league, erupting for a gigantic third period of offense. Kaman was sidelined with sore ribs and Davis took over with 23 of Los Angeles' 36 third quarter points. Showing his LA-type of bravado, Davis' scoring outburst trimmed the Wolves lead to just nine points heading into the final period.
Al Jefferson shut the door on the Clippers with 12 points and seven boards in the last 12 minutes. The victory was the first for the Wolves against the Clippers this season.
"We came into the locker room with a different mentality today. It was really locked in and focused on watching the Clippers before the game. We were really locked in; it was a different locker room," Flynn said.
Off the bench, Love seemed unaffected by the move, recording his 20th double-double of the year in only 28 games. Love's 13 points was one of six Wolves to reach double figures in a joyful evening for Minnesota.
"Coach has been toying with the starting lineup a little bit but tonight worked. Hopefully it will work again on Sunday," Love added.
Minnesota will practice tomorrow afternoon and then host New York for a rematch of last Tuesday's game at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff set for 6 PM on Sunday with the two teams squaring off in the season finale.
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