Even though the Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled in the win/loss column in the first half, fans have witnessed a number of electric individual and team performances this season. Let’s take a look at a few of the better individual performances of the first half of the 2007-08 season:
Nov. 14 vs. Sacramento: Wolves 108, Kings 103- Rashad McCants established a new career-high in points, pumping in 33 (13-22 FG, 4-7 three-pointers, 3-5 FT) to lead the Wolves to their first victory of the season.
Dec. 6 at Atlanta-: Wolves 89, Hawks 90- Minnesota lost a heart breaker to the Hawks on a Joe Johnson buzzer-beater but it was Wolves rookie Corey Brewer who shined in defeat. Minnesota’s 2007 first-round pick (7th overall) totaled a career and NBA rookie season-high 18 rebounds to go along with six points, five rebounds and a career high-four steals.
Dec. 8 vs. Phoenix- Wolves 100, Suns 93: The Wolves would win their third game of the season thanks in large part to the monstrous game from Big Al Jefferson. Big Al abused Amare Stoudamire, going off for a then career high tying 32 points and 20 rebounds, becoming only the second player in Wolves history with a 30/20 effort.
Dec. 11 at Washington- Wolves 88, Wizards 102: It was Craig Smith’s turn to shine, this time in a losing effort in Washington. Craig tallied a career-high 36 points (14-22 FG, 8-9 FT) and eight rebounds.
Dec. 15 at Milwaukee- Wolves 92, Bucks 95: For the second time in a week, Wolves forward Craig Smith reached the 30-point mark, scoring 30 points and hauling in 10 rebounds effort in a loss in Milwaukee.
Dec. 17 at Miami- Wolves 87, Heat 91: Big Al recorded his second 20-point 20-rebound game of the season in Miami, recoprding 22 points, 20 rebounds, two steals and a block.
Dec. 21 vs. Indiana- Wolves 131, Pacers 118: Wolves guard Sebastian Telfair played all 48 minutes on way to a career night at the Target Center. The fourth-year guard tied a career-high with 27 points (11-18 FG) and dished out 11 assists in the Wolves 20-point come-from-behind victory.
Jan. 4, vs. Denver- Wolves 107, Nuggets 118: Wolves guard Rashad McCants bests his previous career high of 33, putting home 34 points (12-18 FG, 3-5 three-pointers, 7-7 FT) in 32 minutes off the bench for the Wolves.
Jan. 15 vs. Golden State- Wolves 98, Warriors 105: Antoine Walker comes off the bench to score a season-high 26 points including four three-pointers and 10 rebounds.
Jan. 21 at Golden State- Wolves 109, Warriors 108: Minnesota claimed it’s second road victory of the season in Golden State on MLK Day thanks in large part to a career day from forward Ryan Gomes. Gomes put home a career-high 35 points and a season-high 11 rebounds. Guard Marko Jaric also had a huge game for the Wolves, falling two rebounds shy of his first triple-double of the season. Jaric finished with 16 points (3-7 from three), 10 assists, eight rebounds and three steals, all in a season-high 46 minutes of action.
Jan. 23 vs. Phoenix- Wolves 117, Suns 107: Big Al tormented Amare Stoudamire for the second time at home, leading the Wolves to their second home-victory of the season against Phoenix. Big Al scored a career-high 39 points to go along with 15 rebounds in the Wolves seventh win of the season.
Jan. 27 vs. New Jersey- Wolves 98, Nets 95: Big Al set a new career high in points for the third time this season, tallying 40 points and 19 rebounds, including four late free-throws to seal the 15-point fourth quarter comeback win. With the 40-point effort, Big Al became just the eighth player in Wolves history to score 40+ points.
Jan. 30 vs. Chicago, Wolves 83, Bulls 67: Jefferson tallied his third 20/20 game of the season, this time abusing Ben Wallace to the tune of 26 points and 20 rebounds.
Feb. 4 vs. Houston, Wolves 86, Rockets 92: Wolves guard Sebastian Telfair dished out 12 assists, the most by a Wolf since Anthony Carter dealt 13 vs. Milwaukee on Mar. 4, 2005.
