NBA 2012: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves Start New Year with Perfect Record

Along with the New Year, a new era seems to be starting in Wolves territory. The Minnesota Timberwolves started 2012 with back-to-back home wins against the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs. As Crunch, the team mascot, posted on his Twitter page:

2012 = Wolves - 2... Texas - 0

Everyone has contributed to Minnesota's consecutive wins, but maybe none as much as Kevin Love. The third-year forward out of UCLA scored 25 points against Dallas Sunday night, followed by 24 en route to Monday's victory. 

Former Mavs point guard J.J. Barea, however, played just under 17 minutes for Minnesota before retreating to the bench with a hamstring injury sustained against the Bucks last week. During that time, Barea scored eight points in addition to three rebounds and two assists.

"It's a new year," Love said Sunday. "We're the best team in 2012 right now. We feel good because we beat a good team tonight."

Well, the Wolves can feel even better after beating the Spurs 106-96 tonight at the Target Center.

Minnesota shot almost 60 percent from the field to San Antonio's 44 percent, and the Wolves also sunk an impressive 57 percent of their shots from behind the three-point line. In addition to Love's 24 points, Michael Beasley and Luke Ridnour supported with 19 apiece.

Rookie sensation Ricky Rubio had a quiet game, dishing out three assists and six points in 24 minutes on the hardwood.

Veteran Tim Duncan led the Spurs in scoring with 16 points. Manu Ginobili scored eight points in the first part of the game, but he headed to the locker room after fouling Minnesota forward Anthony Tolliver and suffering a broken hand.

Following Monday's win, the Timberwolves continue to build momentum for the season. They will face the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday evening for a third consecutive home game. Tipoff is set for 7 PM Central.