After three quarters at Verizon Center, the Washington Wizards trail the Minnesota Timberwolves by 15 points. Nursing a slew of injuries, including Michael Beasley and J.J. Barea, the Wolves have leaned heavily on their rookies and bench, who have stepped up in a big way. Ricky Rubio led two big runs in the first half and he continued dishing dimes in the third quarter, with 11 assists so far. Derrick Williams has also been big off the bench playing the wing. The number two overall pick has hit four of five attempts from behind the arc, and has 14 points. After hitting just four of 20 three-point attempts on Friday, the Wolves have been hot all day hitting 10 of 21 so far at Verizon. In addition to the rookies, stalwart Kevin Love has done his typical work in the paint, adding 14 points and 14 rebounds.
John Wall is just three of ten from the floor so far, chipping in with ten points. Wall had yet another emphatic dunk in the middle of the quarter as he went unchallenged down the right side of the lane. Wall flew by Kevin Love and slammed it home with his left hand. Trevor Booker has also been big off the bench, taking advantage of increased playing time and adding ten points on a perfect five for five from the floor. His teammates, however, will have to catch fire if the Wizards are to win their first game of the season.
For more on Washington, please visit Bullets Forever, SB Nation's Wizards blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit Canis Hoopus, SB Nation's Timberwolves blog. For all your NBA news and notes visit SB Nation's NBA hub.