10/30/2008 - 21:45
One Game, One Win
by Cherome Owens

Don't be suprised if No. 1 is in the running again for Sixth Man of the Year.

Rashad definitely looked the part Wednesday night, coming off the bench for 15 points to help Minnesota knock off the Sacramento Kings, 98-96, in their season opener.

Playing at the Target Center, No.1 and the Wolves led most of the game. But much as he did throughout the preseason, Rashad put the hammering punches on Minnesota's opponent,.

As the lead changed hands twice early in the fourth quarter, Rashad put down a rim-rocking jam, which was followed by a dunk from teammate Kevin Love and a layup by Craig Smith to put the Wolves up 85-80.

In the fourth quarter alone, No.1 notched seven points and two assists, including huge defensive stops in the final 24 seconds, when the Kings had two chances to tie or take the lead.

After the game, his teammates related what he was almost certainly feeling.

“Honest, this is the first time in my career I think I’ve won the first game,” said Wolves star Al Jefferson, who spent his first three seasons with Boston.

“Those last 24 seconds felt like two hours,” Wolves guard Randy Foye said. “But we got it done.”

SCORING MACHINE
TwinCities.com gave an account about each player in Minnesota’s opening day roster prior to the game against the Kings. Here’s what they had to say about No.1:

“Fearless gunner is well suited to his sixth-man role.”

No.1 lived up to that account with his remarkable play on Wednesday.

NEXT UP
Rashad will try to repeat his amazing performance at home with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday at 8 p.m.

RELATED STORIES
Wolves nip and tuck away Sacramento (Star Tribune, October 30, 2008)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/33537874.html
Meet the Minnesota Timberwolves (TwinCities.com, October 29, 2008) http://www.twincities.com/ci_10840729?source=rss
Wolves start new season positively as frontcourt overpowers Kings (ESPN.com, October 29, 2008)
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3671957&campaign=rsssrch&so...
Minnesota Timberwolves save best defense for final ticks to hold off Kings (TwinCities.com, October 30, 2008)
http://www.twincities.com/ci_10850049?source=most_viewed

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