Andrew Wiggins Scores Career-High 29-Points vs. Kings (VIDEO) http://t.co/lXABF7S0Qu pic.twitter.com/pOI7HfXJYs
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 23, 2014
It has been a long stretch for the Timberwolves, who were missing four of their five starters at the end of last week. Injuries have taken Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin out of the lineup for the time being, and until Monday Thaddeus Young was away from the team because of the death of his mother.
That meant some of the younger players had to take on larger roles in the Wolves’ cast of characters.
Despite losses to both San Antonio and Sacramento last weekend, Minnesota saw some good things from their youngsters, especially top-pick Andrew Wiggins.
A career-high 29 point performance for Wiggins in Minnesota’s 113-101 loss to Sacramento got the attention of some Kings.
Cousins to reporters tonight: "“Man, I like Wiggins. I told him at the end of the game he’s going to be a special player."
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) November 23, 2014
Wolves coach Flip Saunders told reporters Tuesday he’s noticed an extra spring in the rookie’s step.
And with highlights like these, why not?
“He’s had a bounce,” Saunders said. “His last couple of days of practice have been pretty good. He’s getting pretty consistent and he’s starting to understand what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to look for. We understand, too, that it’s a process and sometimes we’re going to have to deal with some mistakes.”
Wiggins, 19, has started to take some things into his own hands.
The Pioneer Press reports that during Saturday’s game, he was 6-of-10 near the basket, 1-of-8 from mid-range and 2 -0f-4 from the three-point line. In addition, the rookie made 9-of-10 free throws.
“I’m a lot more comfortable on the court and off the court,” Wiggins said Tuesday. “I know the system more and the chemistry is building with the guys every day.”
Wiggins and the Wolves youngsters will face another measuring stick on Wednesday. They host the Milwaukee Bucks and the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft, Jabari Parker.
