Shorthanded, Timberwolves rout Jazz in Overtime
The Minnesota Timberwolves recently faced the Utah Jazz in a exciting thriller game which had to be decided in overtime. Wiggins and LaVine played great games, and are very talented young players who will have a bright future in the NBA. Utah needs to recover from this OT loss and just move on to next weeks game with higher and better intentions of winning.
by Jordan Fickling, sports editor
Despite the fact that Utah is close to elimination from Western Conference playoff contention, they’ve continued to play with tenacity and a sense of urgency.
With what was arguably one of a best wins for the Minnesota Timberwolves in recent memory on March 23, 2015, they managed to defeat the red-hot Utah Jazz.
“Utah is a team that people don’t hear much about. I don’t see them on ESPN normally, and I tend to forget that they exist. No disrespect to the team and its players but I just don’t find them relevant,” senior Renato Barchi said.
This game was highlighted by the large amounts of injuries. A grand total of eight injuries for Minnesota. Their biggest losses were Point Guard Ricky Rubio (ankle) and Kevin Martin (coach’s decision)
“The one thing is, when you’re only playing seven or eight guys, one thing they know, they know they’re going to play. That’s the positive. You hope what doesn’t happen is that they don’t pace themselves. Two of our last three games … we just ran out of gas,” Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders said.
Small Forward Gordon Hayward was sidelined with a shoulder injury for Utah. Hayward is one of their finest players and leading scorer. He’s averaging 19.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
When a team such as Minnesota faces adversity in the form of injuries, it is vital for players to step up and carry the load when it comes to output.
Point Guard Zach LaVine and Small Forward Andrew Wiggins, two freshmen with great rookie seasons wrapping up, were arguably the reason for Minnesota escaping with a victory. Wiggins is a lock for Rookie of the Year and LaVine won the 2015 NBA Slam Dunk contest.
These two studs combined for a total of 49 points ( LaVine scored 27 points, four dimes, and three rebounds. Wiggins scored 22 and seven rebounds).
Not to be outdone, Jazz Center Rudy Gobert had an impressive game, notching 18 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks.
“I love the style of play from Gobert. He has great upside playing for Utah and his game has improved ever since (Center) Enes Kanter was traded,” sophomore Mike Hua said.
With the NBA playoffs looming, it’s doubtful that Utah will manage to clinch the eighth seed. What’s best for them is if they finish the season strong and not to allow easy losses.
Their next game is against the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday (3/25/15). As for Minnesota, they host the Lakers on the same day.