Ricky Rubio's 4th Quarter Sign of Things to Come for Minnesota Timberwolves

Ricky Rubio's stat line from the Minnesota Timberwolves' 101-98 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers wasn't flashy. He almost shot his team out of the game, but like many great players do, he made it count down the stretch.

Rubio went 1-for-11 from the field for nine points, six assists, six rebounds and three steals. Rubio's was a Jason Kidd-like night if there every was one, but the real story was in the contributions Rubio made down the final stretch.

During the final 3:09, Rubio accounted for four points, two assists, a steal and good defense on Chauncey Billups' final drive with the score knotted at 98 and 1.5 seconds left.

Rubio was a direct reason the T'Wolves gave Kevin Love the opportunity to drain the buzzer-beater three-pointer. And if last night was any indication, Rubio has all of the tools to be a star in this league.

Forget the natural passing and court vision that he has shown during this early part of his rookie campaign. Rubio broke out a quality that many (LeBron) are criticized for not having.

This kid is clutch. Down 96-90, Rubio engineered two beautiful passes to Darko Milicic for easy baskets, and after two Billups free-throws he accounted for the next four points, including a three-pointer to tie the score at 98. That shot would be getting more press had Love not sealed the victory with a three of his own.

The poise and confidence Rubio plays the game with is truly fun to watch. Personally, I'm not a fan of the two point-guard lineup Rick Adelman employs with him and Luke Ridnour. I think Rubio will thrive with the opportunity to handle the ball exclusively, and it will also help open up the offense for shooters Wesley Johnson and Wayne Ellington.

But those are moves that Adelman can decide on later. For now, he's happy with a point guard who is playing well beyond his years, with the potential to give Minnesota something to cheer about for years to come.