By Anthony
Maggio
FOXSportsNorth.com
January 13, 2011
It was the perfect opportunity for rookie Wes Johnson. But when he didn't grab it, little-used Wayne Ellington didn't hesitate.
Minnesota Timberwolves leading scorer Michael Beasley was forced to sit out Thursday's 109-97 victory over the Washington Wizards, thrusting Johnson back into the starting lineup after a two-game hiatus. Johnson lost his spot as the starting off-guard this week to Corey Brewer thanks to both Brewer's hustle and Johnson's ineffectiveness.
But Johnson earned two quick fouls and ultimately played less than 16 minutes. And while Kevin Love was filling up the stat sheet with 35 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, Ellington was a supplementary success. Getting his first playing time since January 1, Ellington scored 11 points, grabbed seven rebounds, handed out five assists and chipped in a block and a steal.
Ellington's near 24 minutes of game action was the most since he played almost 25 minutes against Chicago on December 11. In fact, with another 14 minutes he would've topped his combined playing time in Minnesota's previous 15 games.
"In the locker room I acknowledged Wayne," coach Kurt Rambis said. "It's the mark of a professional who keeps himself in shape and ready to play. He has not been getting in time, and that's the coach's fault, that's not Wayne's fault. He's been keeping himself ready and prepared and when called upon went out there and did a terrific job."
The second-year guard scored in double figures for the fourth time this season, and for the first time since December 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I've been really working on my game," Ellington said. "Working hard, making sure I'm ready whenever. When I got my opportunity I was going to make sure I made the best of it."
Ellington hit a 3-pointer that brought a smile to Rambis' face and dished out two of his assists during Minnesota's 19-3 run to close the contest and avoid a 12th loss when leading in the fourth quarter.
Up by six points with 10 minutes to play, the Wolves watched Washington go on a 14-4 run to take its biggest lead of the night with 5:46 to play. Rambis called a timeout, inserted Brewer for Martell Webster, and moved Luke Ridnour onto Kirk Hinrich while sliding Ellington onto Wizards star rookie John Wall.
The moves worked on the defensive end, as Washington went just 1-for-9 from the floor with three turnovers the rest of the way. Meanwhile Minnesota's offense picked up steam.
Darko Milicic got the crowd going with a jaw-dropping behind the back dribble and spin move to score on Yi Jianlian, and Love followed with a 3-pointer to give the Wolves a lead they wouldn't relinquish. After a Washington timeout, Brewer picked up his fourth steal of the night
