Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9), of Spain, passes the ball around Dallas Mavericks power forward Elton Brand (42) during the first half on an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Minneapolis. Rubio was making his season debut after recovering from surgery on his left knee. (AP Photo/Genevieve Ross)
Rubio's return sparks Wolves to win over Mavericks
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9), of Spain, passes the ball around Dallas Mavericks power forward Elton Brand (42) during the first half on an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Minneapolis. Rubio was making his season debut after recovering from surgery on his left knee. (AP Photo/Genevieve Ross)
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Basketball Writer /
December 16, 2012
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ricky Rubio made a triumphant return to the court with nine assists and eight points in 18 minutes, energizing the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 114-106 overtime victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
Andrei Kirilenko scored five of his 14 points in overtime while Rubio watched from the bench because of a minutes restriction on his surgically repaired left knee.
Nikola Pekovic scored 21 points for the Timberwolves, who played without All-Star Kevin Love because of an illness.
O.J. Mayo had 20 points, six assists and five rebounds and Shawn Marion had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks, who led by 13 early before Rubio came off the bench for the first time since he tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee in March.
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