Shooting struggles and poor decision-making have plagued the 30-year-old’s season. Rubio’s struggles have mirrored those of the Timberwolves’ as a whole.
Those same struggles made his performance in Sunday’s victory at Toronto all the more refreshing. Rubio finished with 16 points — just the second time this season he has scored in double figures — to go with five assists and zero turnovers.
“I think he’s getting back to form in a way where he controlled the game,” Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders said.
There are a few different reasons for that. It’s easy to link Rubio’s success to the return of center Karl-Anthony Towns. Rubio’s game is better used to accentuate star players than to need to serve as one of the heavy load bearers.
Rubio thinks it’s even simpler than that. The Timberwolves have had largely the same group of available players in the past three games, since Towns has returned to action. Guys are playing with similar groups of teammates and a rotation is taking form — at least for now, until D’Angelo Russell returns to the fold.
“Consistency,” Rubio noted.
What a novel concept.
“I think I had two, three guys where I played with the same guys in the same minutes, and that really helps me to really know when and how to get the shots, when to get the shots to my teammates, as well,” Rubio said. “It’s a process. It doesn’t come overnight, but of course in the beginning of the season it was a little tough with a lot of changes, a lot of different lineups out there, and as a point guard it’s hard to know when you don’t know who you’re going to play with. It’s easier for me knowing who I play with and taking shots when I have to take them, but playing the right way.”
The shot-taking part is important. After recording the best shooting season of his career last season for Phoenix, Rubio acknowledged he currently is in the midst of his worst, at least to this point. Rubio went from Jan. 2 to Feb. 7 without making a 3-point shot.
After draining four triples in Sunday’s victory, Rubio is now 7 for 18 from deep in his past four games.
“When you see the ball go in, it helps,” Rubio said. “I think physically I’m more in shape and having more minutes. That helps, too, and playing with the same guys. There’s a lot of things that have been in play. I know my game hasn’t been what I expect, and I’m the first one who will be judgmental with that, but I know it’s a process, and you’ve got to trust it. It takes time, and like I said, this group really helped me as well when things weren’t going my way to keep the spirit up. That’s really important.”
Many have questioned why Rubio continues to play over Jordan McLaughlin, when McLaughlin has produced at a higher level when given the opportunity. Recent successes are why. Rubio is still a top 30-35 point guard once he finds his way, and he means a lot to this roster.
“He’s the captain of our group. When he goes out there, we follow his direction, his play-calling, his ability to see things and everything,” Towns said. “Ricky may not put the stats on paper that show he helped our team win from a statistical point, but all the real things he does that aren’t on the stat sheet, he’s a winner. When he steps on the court and he’s on our team, he’s proven it throughout his career, he just makes things happen and people just win with him. He’s just one of those guys when you look at the stat sheet, it never comes off the paper and pops out at you and saying he had all these points and all this stuff. But when you watch the game and you’re a basketball savant, you say, ‘That man knows how to win.’ ”
The Link LonkFebruary 16, 2021 at 06:00AM
https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/basketball/6888821-Ricky-Rubio-%E2%80%98getting-back-to-form%E2%80%99-thanks-to-a-little-consistency-in-Timberwolves%E2%80%99-lineups
Ricky Rubio 'getting back to form' thanks to a little consistency in Timberwolves' lineups - Bemidji Pioneer
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