Minnesota at Sacramento

[Real Deal]

TIME: 10:00 PM ET

TV: NBALP

[Real Deal]

http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/basketball/nba/img21167555.jpg

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Disgusted with his performance since coming back from a broken right hand, Kevin Love decided to play without his protective glove Tuesday night against Sacramento.

 

Despite no extra padding for his healing shooting hand, the All-Star forward played a bruising inside game and rediscovered his outside shot as well.

 

Love had 23 points and an NBA season-high 24 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves stop a five-game losing streak by beating the Kings 97-89.

 

After missing the first nine games this season, Love returned last week. Bothered by the awkwardness of that fingerless padded glove, he shot 35 percent from the field in his first three games. He hit only 19 percent of his 3-point attempts and was just under 65 percent from the free throw line.

 

Love was unstoppable on the boards Tuesday, but it was the shooting that pleased him most. He went 8 for 17 from the floor and 5 for 6 at the foul line. Although he shot 2 for 8 from 3-point range, Love said most of those attempts were on target and felt good coming out of his hand.

 

"The glove was pretty restricting for me," Love said. "Every day my hand is getting stronger. The ball still doesn't feel quite right in my hand, but it's getting better."

 

And for one night, the struggling Timberwolves (6-7) were better as well. They took the lead late in the first quarter and never trailed again.

 

It helped that Love grabbed an amazing 21 defensive rebounds and helped Minnesota to a 51-36 overall edge on the boards. Love had six points in the fourth quarter and played nearly 44 minutes overall.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20121127_MIN@SAC