Minnesota Vs. Blake Griffin: Wolves Clipped in Second Half

The Timberwolves have looked entirely disorganized over the past week, and Wednesday night’s contest was no exception as they fell to the L.A. Clippers 98-90. Kevin Love and Wayne Ellington led the Wolves with 18 points apiece, and rookie superstar Blake Griffin tallied 29 points for the Clippers.

With Michael Beasley still sidelined due to a left ankle sprain, the midwest ballclub played sloppy offense against the Clippers in the 2nd half. Minnesota held their own against Griffin and his west coast team throughout the first two quarters, shooting about 45 percent from the floor. Darko Milicic played smart ball beneath the basket, tallying 12 points to help the Wolves enter halftime trailing by one.

However, the third quarter—per usual—granted the Timberwolves’ opponents an upper hand in the ballgame. The Clippers outscored Minnesota 29-20 during this period, and the young players found themselves unable to claw their way back into the game. The Wolves shot close to 30 percent during the third period (at one point missing 14 consecutive baskets), and Milicic failed to score a single point in the second half.

There was not a single member of the Wolves lineup, except maybe point guard Luke Ridnour, that did not appear tired at one point or another during the contest.

“If there has ever been a team that needs a break, this is the team,” commented Coach Kurt Rambis during the post-game press conference.

 Griffin came into the Target Center and did what he does best: perform. The 21-year old forward out of Oklahoma excited even the crowd of Minnesota fans with three impressive dunks.

“It doesn’t matter if we’re home or on the road, [Griffin] gets the fans out of their seats,” said L.A. guard Randy Foye. “Just like in baseball — chicks dig the long ball? Well, chicks dig guys who can jump.”

Foye scored 21 points and had 6 assists against his former team, and forward Ryan Gomes, whom Minnesota traded at the end of last season, tallied 18 points. While the Clippers did shoot 45.6 percent from the hardwood, they only finished 64 percent from the foul line. Both teams struggled to succeed from behind the charity stripe.

Rambis will get his wish for the team as players enjoy time off for the All-Star break. Wesley Johnson and Love, however, will board a plane for Los Angeles tomorrow. Johnson was selected to compete in the Rookie-Sophomore game, while Love was chosen by NBA commissioner David Stern to serve as Yao Ming’s replacement for the All Star Game. The game will take place Sunday evening.

For the rest of the Timberwolves squad, their next game will be against Memphis on Tuesday, Feb. 22.