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Rubio and Rose scramble for the ball (Yahoo!)

The Timberwolves starting line-up failed to provide energy once again on Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls.  But, most importantly, they failed to keep the game close (let alone start off with a lead for once).   Entering the game, Ricky Rubio had a lot of ground to make up (again).   However, the Bulls had built momentum by that point, and built the lead to 24 points in the 2nd quarter even with Rubio in the game.  But, this young rookie will not say die.   Midway through the second quarter, Rubio displayed heart, competetiveness, and most of all results that continued throughout the game.   Rubio and the upstart Anthony Randolph electrified Target Center in the second quarter and brought the team back to within 6 points by halftime.   Kevin Love also hit three 3-pointers in the quarter, which turned out to be his only highlights in his second straight off game.  Rubio displayed some emotion that we have not seen yet from the rookie, as he motioned for Target Center to get on their feet several times.  The Timberwolves came out in the 3rd quarter with a different line-up for once.  Luke Ridnour sparked the team with a few steals, and several clutch jump shots leading the Timeberwolves to actually tie the game midway through the quarter.  However, the Bulls were just too strong this game.  Reigning MVP Derrick Rose led the way with 31 points and 11 assists.   The final score was 111-100.

Highlight of the night:   Rubio to Randolph and Target Center goes nuts!

Let’s take a look at my deep thoughts:

• FINALLY head coach Rick Adelman mixed up his line-up.  He started the 2nd half with Rubio, Ridnour, Tolliver, Love, and Randolph.   We’ve been begging him to do this for weeks!   In my opinion, he waited a few games too long.  Wes Johnson proved long ago that he can’t provide anything to the team.  He’s shooting 34% on the year.   Darko is shooting 45% on the year, just pathetic for a center.   Wayne Ellington…..an embarrassing 33% on the year.    Just play the guys are going to produce!    Ridnour on the other hand is shooting 54%!   As Jim Peterson was saying on the FSN broadcast, I think Randolph has earned himself a spot in the starting line-up.   He simply provides the ability to score that Darko cannot match.  Randolph is not a true center but who cares!   He has the length to hold his own down there, and it’s clear Rubio and Randolph have a good connection going on the offensive end.
• J.J. Barea.  Love the guy, but he could learn to pass a little himself.   He’s only shooting 40% from the field, and many of his shots are forced.  Not good for a guy who looks like he’s about 5’6 out there.  He definitely can create things, but I wish he would distribute a little bit more.  Many it’s because some of these guys are shooting so poorly as well?
• Derrick Williams is really struggling to get off his shots around the rim.  I’m puzzled as to why the guy can’t learn how to pump fake?    How many times must he get rejected before he learns.  Also, does he lead the league in charges? 
• Timberwolve cut back their turnovers.   Only 11 turnovers for the game is a good thing for a team that has been around 20 most games so far this year.

The Timberwolves hung in there once again with a team that is regarded as Top 2 in the NBA right now.  And this coming on the final night of a back-to-back-to-back.  They have had just a brutal schedule so far, so let’s hope these are positive signs for a team that will surely only get better as they figure themselves out.

The Timberwolves are now 3-7, and travel to New Orleans (3-6) on Friday night.   They play at Atlanta (7-3) the following night in the second night of a back-to-back.

Luke Ridnour vs Raptors (Yahoo!)

The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a disappointed defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, the final score was 97-87.  The Timberwolves bench players consistently had to come from behind and pick up where the starters had faltered.   We’ve been hitting on this point all season that team simply looks much better with Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams on the floor.  Ideally, you would like your basketball team to start strong, build up a lead, and have your role players hold down the fort while your studs get a breather.   Head coach Rick Adelman definitely knows that, but he might be giving guys such as Wes Johnson and Darko Milicic extra chances to prove how bad they are before reducing their roles significantly.

Game notes:

• J.J. Barea made an impact in his first game back, scoring 16 points while hitting a couple of 3′s
• The run in the 4th quarter when Rubio, Barea, and Williams were on the floor.   It looked like they were going to bring the Timberwolves back from a large defecit in the late 3rd quarter.  The Timberwolve built a big lead, but only to falter down the stretch.  Fatigue a factor?
• Anthony Randolph’s huge dunk.   Speaking of extra minutes, why not get this man some more time?   The man has a pulse, unlike Darko!
• The Timberwolves shot only 33% for the game.
• Wes Johnson recorded another “0-for” night, missing all 5 of his shots.  It’s time coach….it’s time to make a point and sit him down.
• Kevin Love had his first rough game of the season, only shooting 3 for 16. 

The game was tough to watch.  There was once again not a lot of flow to the action.  You can bet this has a lot to do with not a lot of time together as a team.  Rumors are swirling that Adelman may bring Michael Beasley off the bench in a 6th man role.  This might be better suited for Beasley, he can just come in and lead the 2nd unit in scoring.   I personally like this idea.  Assuming Williams gets the nod as starter, let’s hope Ricky is soon to follow as a full-time starter as well. 

A line-up of Rubio, Barea, Williams, Love, and I suppose Darko could get the team going much better than what we’ve seen.   Ridnour and Beasley could come in off the bench and provide some depth, while carrying the scoring load for the 2nd unit.  Johnson needs a different look, what he’s doing now is not even considered NBA-worthy caliber play.   Perhaps playing with the 2nd unit will do the trick?

The Timberwolves host the Chicago Bulls tonight at Target Center.  Back-to-back-to-back games?   Good luck men.

Ricky lays it up versus the Wizards (Yahoo!)

The Minnesota Timberwolves walloped the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon in Washington D.C.  The final score was 93-72.   The Timberwolves stud rookie duo of Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams were crucial in the victory.  The team came out flat once again, and it wasn’t until Rubio and Williams came in did things start to change.  Rubio had a tough shooting night, but was once again in double figures for assists.  He finished with 13 points, 14 assists, and 6 rebounds.  Williams was pretty hot most of the game, and ended up hitting 4 three pointers.   He finished with 14 points, and 7 rebounds.  Kevin Love was very solid again, going for 20 points and 16 rebounds.  The Timberwolves record is now 3-5.

Other notes:  Flip Saunders had no comment on his new ‘do, he kept it strictly basketball talk on Sunday…..Wes Johnson tanked again, only 5 points on 2 for 8 shooting.  The Timberwolves really need to address their shooting guard problem with their next transaction…..Although Wayne Ellington did have a pretty decent game, chipping in with 13 points….The game was pretty lackluster, as the Wizards are winless and might be the worst team in the NBA.  However, you gotta love their new uniforms.  Going with old Wes Unseld throwbacks, with a new school twist…..J.J. Barea was in uniform but did not play.  Rumor has it he was unbelievably hot in the lay-up line.  That has to be a sign that he’s almost back.

The Timberwolves are off to Toronto, Canada to play the Raptors on Monday night.  This is inspiring me to watch a YouTube clip of Rick Moranis starring the movie, Strange Brew.  Now take off you hoser!

Williams finishes alley-oop from Rubio (Yahoo!)

The Minnesota Timberwolves played their worst game of the season on Friday night, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers 98-87.   Kevin Love was the lone bright spot as he went for his usual double-double, 29 points and 12 rebounds.  The overwhelming theme from what both the media and the players were saying was that the game felt like last season.  The Timberwolves were once again slow out of the gate, and never really seemed to pick up their energy throughout the night.  Let’s take a look at things to ponder on while the Timberwolves play their next game at Washington at noon CST Sunday. 

• The Timberwolves need shooting.   After shooting 39% on Friday, the Timberwolves true weakness is starting to get exposed.  Wes Johnson is providing nothing at the 2-guard and Wayne Ellington trips over his own feet every other time he makes a move.  Unfortunately, the solution isn’t evident.  The team more than likely would like to move Beasley, but his value is way down (especially with his injury last night).   Maybe Martell Webster can provide something?
• The Timberwolves miss J.J. Barea.  Barea clearly is one of the guys who can bring actual energy to the team.  He will always be looking to make something happen on the offensive end.  We need his leadership.
• Michael Beasley is s-t-r-u-g-g-l-i-n-g.   He still doesn’t understand ball movement, and has been awful from the field.  He’s shooting under 40% for the season.
• Derrick Williams needs more time.  This may change now that Beasley has “sprained” his foot.  He might be out for awhile, opening up the door for Williams to get more run. Some believe Wes should get more time as well, but he can’t dribble or shoot!   Williams seems to get a little something going, only to get yanked.  Get the man some decent minutes and let him get in his groove.   One weakness I do see in Williams is that he’s either lazy, or lacks energy at times on defense and on the boards.  He scored an effecient 12 points in 26 minutes on Friday.
• Rubio needs to start.   Is anyone else tired of the Timberwolves getting off to slow starts, only to have Rubio pick things up?   This happens in both the first and second halves usually.
• Can the Timberwolves PA Announcer STOP with the DARRRRKO! It makes you more annoyed with Darko than you already are!
• Anderson Varejao is the second coming of Sideshow Bob.
• My STARTING 5 for Sunday:  Rubio, Ridnour, Wes, Williams, Love. 

The Timberwolves play former head coach Flip Saunders and the Washington Wizards on Sunday.   Flip now seems to be sporting a mullet?  Interesting choice.

Who knows what to predict on Sunday.  The Timberwolves should have been able to win by 10 on Friday, but instead they lost by about 10.  The Wizards still haven’t won a game yet this season, which makes me nervous as they’ll be hungry for a win.  But the Timberwolves should be fired up themselves, so look for this to be a well fought game.

Rubio and Irving (ESPN)

It’s very early in the season, but Ricky Rubio is already grabbing national attention with his waxy passing, and his clutch play late in games.   ESPN scout David Thorpe, who specializes in analyzing NBA rookies each year, ranked Rubio as the Top Rookie so far this season.   Here’s a link to the article (you need an ESPN Insider membership).  Thorpe also notes on Rubio’s underrated defense, as he has very quick hands and instincts that you can’t teach.   However, he points out that Rubio needs to become a better off-the-ball defender.   Timberwolves teammate Derrick Williams only ranks 12th on the list right now, but look for his stock to rise once he gets more playing time as the season goes on.   It’s my hope that the Timberwolves create an opening for Williams with a smart Michael Beasley trade.   Stud 2-guard anyone?

Cleveland’s #1 overall pick in 2011, Kyrie Irving, ranked 5th on Thorpe’s list.  He’s playing well also, averaging 14 points and 5 assists.   Which leads us to ponder tonight’s match-up with Rubio and some other things to look for.

• Rubio versus Irving.  A match-up of two 1st round picks intrigues the most tonight.   Many Timberwolves faithful were pondering what the team would do if they landed the #1 overall pick last summer.  Would you trade Rubio for Irving?  I believe most would agree at the time that you would.  But right now, it’s clear that Rubio is the right fit for the franchise.  Let’s not focus on the stats tonight, but focus on who plays well in the 4th quarter and who ends up winning the game.
• Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor’s half time show debate on how to handle a crisis situation.  Look for Gilbert to develope a hernia from his anger, and look for Taylor to hand him customized sympathy card from Carlson Craft.
• Cavaliers rookie Tristan Thompson.   He ranked 7th on Thorpe’s list and is playing well out of the gates as well.  He’s averaging about 8 points and 5 rebounds per game.   Look for him to get a lesson in how to play the power forward from All-Star Kevin Love.
• Timberwolves shooting guard play.   This will continue to be a revolving door until the position gets solved.  Look for Ridnour to play heavy minutes in the 4th again as it’s clear Wes Johnson is not the answer.  Nor is Wayne Ellington.
• Matell Webster’s  hair on the bench.  Come’on man.
• Kevin Love’s dominance.  Love is the first player to have at least 20 points and 12 rebounds in each of his team’s first six games since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975.   Get out and start voting for him to start in the All-Star game!

Prediction:  Timberwolves win convincingly down the stretch.  The question will be who steps up besides Love and Rubio.  It could be any number of guys tonight, as the Cavs don’t present much of an intimidation factor.

Rubio drives versus the Grizzlies (Yahoo!)

Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love both put together fantastic games for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.  Unfortunately, the Timberwolves could not overcome crucial turnovers and missed free throws.  The final score against Memphis Grizzlies was 90-86.   Love had 27 points and 14 rebounds, for his 6th straight double-double of the season.  Rubio collected his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 assists (mostly in spectacular fashion).  But, the Timberwolves struggled with their free-throw shooting, hitting only 54% for the game (13/24).   The “always active” Anthony Tolliver practically blew the game with a inexcusable turnover with under a minute to play when the Timberwolves had a chance to tie it.   However, we can’t disregard the brilliancy of Kevin Love, and the magic of Ricky Rubio.   Love is a master a cleaning up the slop on the boards, and now is hitting three’s every game.  Rubio delighted the crowd with his passing, but now is starting to hit three’s on the regular as well.  He came through with a couple of clutch three’s last night, signs that he is the real deal.

Other notes:

• Michael Beasley did not play well once again.  He does not make good decisions with the ball.  He ended with a double-double (11 pts, 10 rebounds), but shot 31% from the field.  He is now shooting 40% for the season,  Absolutely atrocious for a forward.
• Derrick Williams again played well in limited minutes.  Still wondering what’s holding back his minutes.  I mean we’re playing Tolliver and Beasley over him for cripes sakes!  He took a bad “3″ down the stretch, but otherwise played well.   He’s shooting 52% for the season so far.
• Ricky Rubio won the unofficial neck beard contest for the night over his Spanish friend, Marc Gasol. 
• Tolliver.   I hate to rip on him, but for a guy that’s in the game for his defense, he sure seems to have trouble guarding people.  Rudy Gay handling Tolliver’s defense pretty well all night.
• Wes Johnson proved that the previous game was a fluke.  He missed all five of his field goal attempts.  Unacceptable for a starting player.
• The starting 5.   Wondering when this is going to change.  Rubio has to come back from what seems like a 10-point deficit nearly every time.
• Darko Milicic’s hands.    Has anyone seem them yet this season?   At one point in the 3rd quarter, he jumped with his hands down for a rebound.  Hello?

The Timberwolves did not play well on Wednesday night, but still managed to be in a position to win despite practically shooting themselves in the foot on every other possession down the stretch.  Stll, this is a good sign that they were that close to a team that went to the Western Conference Semi-Fianls last year.   Look for the Timberwolves to bounce back Friday night against the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kevin Love vs the Spurs (Yahoo! Sports)

Kevin Love scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the Timberwolves 106-96 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.   Tim Duncan’s reign as top power forward in the league is clearly over, and Love appears to be taking over the title.  The Spurs best player, Manu Ginobili, left the game early with a broken hand.   I don’t think it would have mattered in this game, as the Timberwolves hit 58% of their shots, including  57% from downtown.  Those percentages were even higher throughout most of the game until the team missed a few down the stretch.  

Other notes from the game:   Wes Johnson had 15 points, including 2 three-pointers, in his first contribution of the season.  Consistency is the key in the NBA, and Wes needs to make that happen.  The depth on the Timberwolves is evident, as someone new seems to always step up…Luke Ridnour was the Timberwolves best point guard of the game for the first time this season.  He had 19 points and 9 assists…Spurs forward Danny Green put himself in the running for Worst Mustache in the NBA.  Let’s keep an eye on this all season…Another highlight pass from Ricky Rubio, as he connected with Derrick Williams on a sensational alley-oop in the first half.

What to watch for in the Timberwolves match up with the Grizzlies tonight:

• Marc Gasol vs Kevin Love.  Beard vs Beard.  This should be a good match up between two of the best young post players in the NBA.  Gasol plays more center, but look for Darko to ride the pine, and for Love to match up with Gasol down the stretch.
• The Point Guard battle.  Memphis just welcomed back their starting point guard, Mike Conley. Backup Jeremy Pargo has playing very well for the Grizzlies.   However, look for Rubio and Ridnour to have the edge here.
• Rubio and Marc Gasol reunite!  The former teammates on the Spain Olympic team are meeting for the first time all season.  They are getting together to talk about their neck beards, and to review the performance of Inigo Montoya in the Princess Bride!
• Derrick Williams.   Can he get involved a little more?  A bit of a slow start for the rookie, as he’s struggled to get a lot of court time since the first game of the season.

The Grizzlies scored 64 points in their second to last game versus the Bulls.  But they did beat the Kings last night so it will be interesting to see how they play tonight.   It’s tough on the second night of  back-to-back games though.

Prediction:  The Timebrwolves continue the roll they are on, emerging victorious and getting the team to .500 with a 3-3 record.

Rubio passes against Jason Kidd (Yahoo! Sports)

Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio spearheaded the Minnesota Timberwolves victory over the reigning champion Dallas Mavericks on New Year’s Day.  Love was brilliant, especially from three-point land (hitting 5 of 6 three’s in the game).  Rubio continued to show that he is the real deal, playing the entire 4th quarter while shredding the Mavericks defence with crafty moves and waxy passing.  Love and Rubio look very comfortable running the pick-n-roll, a very encouraging sign for the Timberwolves fans who looking for this kind of attack for a long time.   Other notes:  “My man” Anthony Tolliver came through and actually contributed.  Hitting a couple of three’s down the stretch and playing his “always active” defense.  Wes Johnson continued to flop.  Going 1/7 from the floor and missing badly at times.  If you can’t tribble on the wing in the NBA, you sure better be very dynamic in a couple of other areas.  Such as spot up three-point shooter.  Wes is far from a consistent shooter.  His defense was supposed to be his strength.  I’m starting to this it’s overrated.  Michael Beasley hasn’t been able to get it going, and sometimes seems to show the mental weakness that he’s known for.  Often looking uninterested on the bench.  He also overracted to a cut on his finger that required 5 stiches.  You would have thought his finger was ripped off by the way he reacted.  I’m hoping for a trade to clear up room for Derrick Williams and to balance out the roster.

The Timberwolves play the Spurs tonight at 7pm in Target Center.  Of all the teams the Timberwolves have faced this season, the Spurs might be the most difficult challenge.  The Spurs have been the NBA’s best regular season team for a decade.  They are getting old, but they sure play hard and they play the right way.  Let’s take a look a couple of things to watch for:

• Rebound battle.  The Spurs are one of the best rebounding and defensive teams in the NBA.  If the Timberwolves can do well on the offense boards, they should have a good shot tonight.  The Spurs great defense could force a lot of misses, if Love and company can clean up the glass they will be in a good spot to win.
• Rubio vs Parker.  Both players like to penetrate the lane.  Rubio usually looks to set up his teammates, while Parker likes to finish himself.  Spain versus France is on the line too, which can lead to a lot of macho trash talking.
• Who can stop Manu Ginobili?  Manu is the Spurs MVP these days, and he plays the Timberwolves’ weakest position:  shooting guard.  It will take a team effort to slow him down.
• Derrick Williams.  He looked great on opening night, but hasn’t really got it going since other than the 4th quarter of the Miami Heat game.  But that was one quarter.  If Beasley can’t go tonight because of his finger, Williams could get some extra chances to show what he can do.
• Ginobili’s bald spot.  It’s dwarfed into the size of a pancake.   That’s all.
• Darko’s effort.   He’s going up against the human bank-shot machine and future Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan.  Well, at least we know Darko won’t be playing in the fourth quarter. 
• Rubio’s playing time.   He certainly deserves to start at this point, but we know Adelman prefers to let the rookie ease into the starting role.  Let’s pay attention to see if he gets into the game a little quicker.  If Rubio has another good game against one of the league best teams still within his first week in the NBA, how long before the Rookie of the Year chat begins!

Kevin Love vs The Heat (Yahoo! Sports)

Ricky Rubio electrified Target Center Friday night with his first career double-double, but the Minnesota Timberwolves fell short against the Miami Heat by losing 101-103.  Rubio shreaded the Heat defense by constantly finding the open man, and shocked everyone with several no-look alley-oop passes.  The Timberwolves have now played arguably the NBA’s Top 2 teams in the first week, and have been within one basket of beating them both.  Chants of “Rubio-Rubio” echoed throughout the arena in both halves after Rubio got on a roll with his crafty passing and somewhat surprising scoring.  Rubio hit two 3-pointers in the game, and looked very calm doing so.  Lebron James and crew were just a little too much though (with a little boost from the pathetic officiating).   Lebron complimented his near triple double with some “slam dunk contest worthy” slams in the open court.   Apparently it was his birthday (they talked about it every time he scored), and Lebron went off again. 

Let’s take another look at some Good/Bad from Game 3 of the Timberwolves 66-game season:

BAD:  The FSN game crew.  I really dislike Anthony Lapanta, but I would welcome back with open arms compared to this new guy.  At one point said the Heat players wanted to see Rubio have a good game, but also said several outlandish and ridiculous comments throughout the night.  He belongs radio announcing for a high school team in Canada.  Kevin Lynch kept talking about himself like he matters, and he’s got no cred!   The solution:  Anyone else miss the Chad Hartman / Trent Tucker duo?

GOOD:  Ricky!  You got the Target Center chanting your name in the 3rd game of the season…..instant legend!   Only time will tell where he will rank amongst the all-time great passers.

GOOD:  Wayne Ellington providing a little life at the 2-guard spot.  It’s time to start declaring Wes Johnson a disappointment.  He doesn’t stand out in any way, and does not make things happen on his own.  Most average NBA players at his position could do what he does.

BAD:  Beasley.   To sit the last quarter-and-a half it’s a bad sign.  You are a ball-stopper and a weakness on defense.  The only way he scores a lot is when he takes a high volume of shots.  He’s not an efficient player at this point.  Good for head coach Rick Adelman in playing the guys that are playing now rather than giving Beasley too much of a leash.

GOOD:  Kevin Love’s consistency.  He’s going to be an All-Star again this year, and this time there is no question.  Very comforting for Timberwolves fans.

BAD:  Darko.   Thanks for lumbering around the court, and being a second-and-a half late in reacting to practically…..everything!

GOOD:  Anthony Randoph!   He got the time (like I’ve been begging for), and gave back some production.  It’s clear he can provide some low post scoring and atheletism that not too many on this roster can do.  It looks like he will see the playing time when there are other long-lanky forwards on the opposing team.  Hopefully, he can prove he belongs out there no matter what.   The matchup with Dallas tomorrow night should prove favorable for Randolph. 

BAD:  Lebron’s neck beard.

BAD:  Lebron’s headband hairline cover-up.

GOOD:  Target Center.  1st 2-game in a row sellout since the 2003-04 season, and first opening 2-game sellout since 1991.  The atmosphere is electric, and it pretty much has a lot to do with the arrival of Ricky and his dazzling passing and ball-handling display.

BAD:  Turnovers.  Timberwolves had 25 turnovers, again way too high of a number. It’s surprising they were in the game at the end.   If this area improves, the Timberwolves will have solved one of their biggest weaknesses and the results will show it.

The Timberwolves play the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night as they go for their first win.  No word yet on if J.J. Barea’s hamstring will be ready for the matchup with his old ‘mates.  One thing is official…..my Rubio t-shirt has been ordered!  Happy New Year Wolves fans!

MIchael Beasley on opening night (Yahoo! Sports)

The Minnesota Timberwolves will do their best to put out the flame tonight versus the defending Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat.   The Heat are loaded with superstars, and certainly an imposing matchup for the young and up-and-coming Timberwolves.   Back in the 1997-98 season, Kevin Garnett, Stephon Marbury and crew took on Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls in one of the most exciting regular season game in Timberwolves history.   The Bulls were on their way to their 3rd straight NBA championship, and the Heat may very well be on their way to an NBA title this season.   The excitement of Garnett and Marbury can only be matched by Ricky Rubio and his running mates.   Having attended Monday’s season opener, I can attest that I have not been to a more exciting basketball atmosphere in a long, long time.   Rubio has the magic, and the Timberwolves faithful can sense it.   It’s only a question of putting all the right pieces together now. 

Click here to see a full game’s worth of highlights from the 1997-98 game versus the Bulls.

The atmosphere is very similar to Monday night, when Rubio delighted the Target Center crowd.

What to watch for tonight:

• Timberwolves defensive strategy against Lebron & DWade.   Look for the team to try out some zone.  The Heat have proved early on this season that they do have the ability to beat a zone, but can they keep it up?   I’d like to see Derrick Williams match-up with Lebron.  Similar size and we know Williams has the athletic ability.
• Rubio’s playing time.  I know several Timberwolves faithful who are confused by Rubio not starting already.  Obviously the Timberwolves are going to make the rookie earn his time.  Now, with J.J. Barea out tonight, Rubio’s playing time will certainly increase.  Although, he will still come off the bench.
• Will Michael Beasley pass the ball tonight?    He has 1 assist in 2 games this season, and has been killing the Timberwolves ball movement.
• Somebody check Anthony Tolliver’s pulse and get Anthony Randolph in the game!
• If the Timberwolves can get lucky enough to have DWade sit out with an injury and also if the Heat have a difficult shooting night……they have a chance.

My 2011 will end on a glorious note if Ricky can give us another highlight assist!