Spurs stun Wolves in thriller - wolvesjr34's Dynasty

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Spurs stun Wolves in thriller

Posted on June 5, 2011 at 03:29 AM.

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Duncan leads the Spurs to a home win against top seed Wolves

January 9th, 2011. The top two teams in the Western Conference faced each other for the third time on the season in what was expected to be a tight contest. The Timberwolves and Spurs did not disappoint as the Wolves faced life without both Beasley AND Love, although Love is expected back any day as his wrist heals.

Martell Webster was thrust into the starting line up, despite thoughts that Wesley Johnson had been doing a lot more to earn his keep. Webster had been unhappy with his role in the organisation and more importantly his lack of minutes after returning from back spasms had been grating his nerves. The Wolves looked to give Webster a better chance to find his rhythm, however the only thing Webster proved on the night was that his bags must already be packed, as he shot a dismal 2 of 11 from the field on his way to 8 points in the contest.

Rumour has it that the Spurs had offered Antonio McDyess and their first round draft pick in 2012 for Webster and Sebastian Telfair who is struggling to find court time behind Flynn and Bledsoe, but the Wolves declined the offer. Although after the recent performances and the injury to Beasley, the Wolves may yet consider a trade to obtain a veteran power forward.

This match turned into a dour defensive struggle as both teams attempted to exert their muscle. Isaiah Rider finally found some valuable form as he worked hard to keep his team in the game, scoring 20 points from 9 of 12 shooting, the only misses from beyond the arc as his deep shot continues to elude him. He played well on Ginobli, who while scoring 18 and often at important times, had his effectiveness cut down only hitting 7 of 19 from the field and missing all 6 three point attempts. The game would have been well and truly out of the Timberwolves grasp if Ginobli had been allowed to find a rhythm.

At half time the Spurs lead 50 to 46 as Tim Duncan worked hard for the Spurs, on his way to a player of the game performance (20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks). Duncan did well to quell Anthony Randolph who only hit on 2 of his first 6 shot attempts in the first half. The Wolves needed more from Randolph as it was not going to be a game that Rider could win on his own without help.

Anthony Randolph (16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks) came to play in the fourth as he managed to his some valuable jump shots to keep the Wolves in it as the Spurs attempted to break away. Rookie Eric Bledsoe stepped up and knocked down 17 points and 4 assists while nabbing two steals, one of which an important one late as the Wolves rallied with a minute and a half to go to get back from an 8 point margin to tie the game up.

Unfortunately in the end sheer weight of numbers would stop the Wolves in their tracks as Richard Jefferson also had a day out scoring 20 points, including the go ahead bucket with 35 seconds to go. Final score 98 to 96, Spurs win.

It was a tough loss for the Wolves who have to head back home only to take the Spurs on again, trailing the season series 1 - 2. The Wolves hope Kevin Love can return soon to freshen the teams big man stocks. The Wolves may revisit the trade offer from the Spurs for Webster and Telfair if Webster doesn't find form again soon.