Wolves Beat Knicks as Martin and Muhammad Shine
Nov 19, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Kevin Martin(23) celebrates with guard
Corey Brewer(13) after scoring in the second half against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 115-99. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Winning in professional sports is difficult. When coming off of a losing streak, it is even harder than normal. The Timberwolves actually started their six game odyssey on a high note, beating a good Nets team in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, that feels like years ago. Since that night, Ricky Rubio went down with a gruesome ankle sprain, the Wolves got destroyed in historic fashion by New Orleans and ended up dropping five straight contests. Zach LaVine looked overmatched trying to run the NBA point position and the team defense was virtually non-existent. When the going is good, teams are generally good at harnessing the momentum and can get on a winning tear. On the other hand, when they are losing, especially when the team is as young as the Wolves are, it usually snowballs and the losses beget more losses.
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Time will tell whether last night was a blind squirrel finding a nut or a sign that the Wolves are starting to figure some things out. Mo Williams replaced LaVine in the starting lineup, and definitely seemed to have better chemistry with Kevin Martin, who went off for 37 points, his highest total in a Timberwolves uniform. Shabazz Muhammad got his first career start and played well, including a rim-rattling left handed throw down on an alley-oop in transition. He definitely looks more athletic after shedding weight over the summer. One would think that since Flip Saunders was the one who drafted Shabazz, he has more riding on his success or failure than the usual coach might, so would be likely to put him in the best position to succeed. Muhammad clearly has loads of talent, so if he can be reclaimed and help this team win, then all the better.
Andrew Wiggins struggled some in the first quarter, played great in the second and did not splash a ton either way in the second half. In other words, looked like who he is; A rookie going through growing pains with superstar potential. As is the case with most rookies, he seems more prone to hot streaks and cold spells than veterans typically are. The good news is, his step-back is extremely difficult to defend and he has been aggressive when taking the ball to the basket. He narrowly missed a couple of dunks that would have brought the house down. It will be exciting to watch him grow.
Last night may well be the best possible template for success for the Wolves until Rubio returns. Unfortunately the Wolves do not get to play the Knicks every night, but it was a nice bounce back after the dreadful road trip.