November 3, 2009

One That Got Away

Al Jefferson had his best game of the new season on Monday night, but the Minnesota Timberwolves lost a close one at the Staples Center, falling 93-90 to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Minnesota fell to 1-3 in a contest that included eight lead changes in the fourth quarter before the Clippers went ahead for good on an Eric Gordon layup with 1:32 remaining.

Big Al scored 24 points Monday (Getty Images).

Big Al tested his surgically repaired knee on back-to-back nights for the first time in the regular season. Monday’s contest was much more productive towards his recovery, and confidence, as Al tallied an efficient 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the line.

No. 25 also chipped in four rebounds, three steals and a block.

Minnesota’s center pulled the team within one, 89-88, with less than 30 seconds to play on a nice jump hook through the middle of the lane.

However, Clippers swingman Rasual Butler answered with four free throws in the final 19 seconds as Los Angeles shot 32 free throws for the game compared to Minnesota attempting only 16.

"I love the scrappiness of this team, the way they fight, the way they always give effort," coach Kurt Rambis said to the Pioneer Press after the game.

"We're trying to stretch that effort. The way they play in the second half, they need to play like that in the first half, too."

EXTENSIONS
Big Al’s young teammates, Corey Brewer and Kevin Love, had their team options picked up by Minnesota’s front office and will be Timberwolves for an additional year before hitting free agency.

Wolves’ president David Kahn secured Brewer and Love through the 2010-2011 season.

NEXT UP
Minnesota comes back home to play the undefeated Boston Celtics (4-0) on Wednesday night.

Al derives extra motivation when facing the franchise that drafted him out of high school. Last year, he averaged 27.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks against his former team.

RELATED STORIES
Al Jefferson's 24 not enough for Timberwolves as Clippers get first win (St. Paul Pioneer Press, November 3, 2009)
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_13700303
Clippers beat Wolves, end winless season start (AP, November 3, 2009)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gahL6ElKKwcybN8O92u6nr...
As expected, Brewer, Love get extensions (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, November 3, 2009)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/68812627.html