Wolves bite back hard - wolvesjr34's Dynasty

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Wolves bite back hard

Posted on June 5, 2011 at 08:36 AM.

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Rider leads a rout of the Spurs as the Wolves hit back following their loss earlier in the week.

January 11th, 2011. The Timberwolves returned to the Target Center knowing that they had a lot to prove to the wily veterans of San Antonio who had outplayed them two days before to take a lead in the season series 2 - 1. Wolves coach Kurt Rambis implored his team to make use of their biggest advantages in the regular season match up between the two teams, their youth and athleticism. Rambis ordered his young charges to attack the paint relentlessly.

Isaiah Rider especially relished this order as he continued to return to good form, scoring 25 points on the night to go with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Rider shot 11 - 15 from the field and completed three and-1 opportunities as he once again made light of Manu Ginobli's aging legs.

Anthony Randolph, the other of the Young Wolves who took to the Spurs with extra vigour, making many a cut inside to receive smart passes from his team mates around him on his way to a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds (plus 3 blocks). Randolph drew several shooting fouls and nailed all seven free throw opportunities. It's becoming clear that Anthony Randolph is relishing his new home in Minnesota and the home town fans have certainly embraced his presence.

Martell Webster played a more subdued game, scoring 12 points from 5 of 9 shooting, possibly earning him a reprieve from being traded, but Webster is aware that if he wants to stay in Minnesota his production needs to be effective rather than prolific and that he should look for the best option when he gets a touch. This in mind Webster did hand out 4 assists in what was a night of sharing the ball for Minnesota.

Webster on notice to make smarter decisions with the ball

Eric Bledsoe had another solid night off the bench, scoring nine points and dishing 10 assists to lead all passers for the Wolves (Flynn finished with 9). As such it isn't any wonder that Bledsoe is the leading sixth man of the year candidate around the league, he's also surprisingly garnered some attention behind John Wall and Blake Griffin for rookie of the year honours, although it does seem a bit of a stretch for the young point guard.

For the Spurs Ginobli improved his shooting upon the previous game on his way to 20 points on the night. Ginobli shot 50% from deep and hit all four free throws he took. Richard Jefferson scored 14 to be the next best scorer for San Antonio, who just could not keep up with the young Wolves who were savage and hungry to make amends from their last performance. Tony Parker scored 8 points and dished nine assists, but in the end it was truly fruitless effort as the Timberwolves ran out comfortable winners 108 to 84.

The Timberwolves expect that Kevin Love will be back in the line up for the Thursday night match up with Washington at the Target Center.

Season Record: 29-10.