Thornton, Clippers in Town

Al Thornton and the L.A. Clippers, a team Minnesota's beaten twice in a row, is in Minneapolis in preparation for a 7 p.m. tip. We spoke to Clippers rookie Al Thornton after shootaround.

Thornton Interview

Thornton posted 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists against the Wolves in Minnesota's 99-96 victory in L.A. on March 8, though he did turn the ball over four times. He played 40 minutes, made 6-of-16 shots and got to the foul line seven times, making six. He was +9 in his 40 minutes, compared to -14 for teammate Cuttino Mobley, showing that the Wolves had a bit of trouble matching up with Thornton's athleticism. However, Thornton is questionable for the ball game after suffering a deep thigh bruise on Mar. 16.

The Clippers also had trouble with Randy Foye, who went off for 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Foye nailed 10-of-12 free throws, including the game clinchers, and hit two huge shots in the final moments. Just as impressively, Foye amassed six assists with no turnovers, and took full advantage of Dan Dickau and Andre Barrett's attempt at guarding him.

Rashad McCants, though scoring only seven points on 3-of-11 shooting in that game, perhaps surprisingly led the Wolves in +/- at +16, thanks in part to four assists, two steals, and the ability to draw defenders towards him on the perimeter. On the low block, Al Jefferson had a big game with 30 points and 12 rebounds (+12), and also blocked two shots to lead the way for the Timberwolves.

Here's what Jefferson had to say after shootaround, to assembled media:

Jefferson Post Shootaround