Ricky Rubio could return from a sprained elbow in time for this weekend’s home games against the Clippers and Lakers, according to team reporter Kyle Ratke.
https://twitter.com/Kyle_Ratke/status/797156192963465217
In two games with Rubio the Wolves allowed 102 points to the Grizzlies and 106 to the Kings. Minnesota’s defense came out strong in the third game, allowing just 80 points to a Grizzlies lineup that didn’t include Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Chandler Parsons or Tony Allen. The Wolves have been horrible defensively since that game, allowing an average of 110 points per game.
NBA writer Zach Harper summed it up like this: “I’m sure Thibs is losing a lot of sleep over the kinds of defensive efforts the Wolves are putting forth lately, but really, they just need Ricky Rubio to come back ASAP.”
With Rubio out, the Wolves have used a combination of rookie Kris Dunn and an undersized Tyus Jones. Dunn has been guilty of overplaying, like he did here against the Nuggets.
Jamal Murray leaves Kris Dunn grasping at air and sets up Faried for the jam. #BBN#Nuggetspic.twitter.com/pg64NVBv5w
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 4, 2016
Rubio’s return could help stop the bleeding on the defensive end of the floor. Meanwhile, here’s Rubio’s thoughts on President-elect Donald Trump.
Really America? 😳
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) November 9, 2016
