March 17, 2010

Al, Wolves Fall to Suns

He was efficient with his shots and a magnet for rebounds in the post, but all Al Jefferson could do on Tuesday night was not enough for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Big Al scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 23 minutes but the Wolves lost to the Suns 152-114 in Phoenix.

No. 25 went 6-9 from the field, and of his eight rebounds he split them up equally with four on the offensive end and four on the defensive glass. He also chipped in an assist on a three-pointer by Jonny Flynn and a block of Suns star forward Amar'e Stoudemire.

Al did most of work around the bucket, where he scored eight of his 13 points and also drew a foul to go to the line where he sank 1 of 2 free throws. But he also pitched in a pair of jumpers, including a silky smooth bank jumper in the third quarter.

The bank shot began a two-minute stretch late in the third when Al scored six consecutive points for the Wolves.

He drove in for a layup on the next trip down and finished his personal run with another soft jumper. But during that stretch the Suns scored seven points, five of which came at the free throw line. It was a pattern for the night. The Suns were 27 for 29 from the line in their win.

Al has now scored in double figures in 20 consecutive games and has recorded a double-double in 10 of those 20. In five games since his return on March 8, the big man is averaging 20.2 points per game and exactly 10 rebounds per game. He's shooting at a 57 percent clip and making the most of his opportunities.

NEXT UP
Al and the Wolves continue their road trip tonight in Utah where they'll take on the Jazz. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST and the game can be seen on FS North.

RELATED STORIES
Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns (NBA.com, March 16, 2010)
http://www.nba.com/games/20100316/MINPHX/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0020901003