Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mo Williams dropped 52 points in Tuesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers. Williams’ terrific play helped lift the T-Wolves to victory, something they haven’t tasted in a while.
Before Tuesday night’s win, Minnesota was on a 15-game losing streak, and had not won a game in more than a month. The long losing streak surprised no one however, as the Timberwolves boast a dismal record of 6-31 on the season. The surprise in Minnesota was Williams’ lights out scoring.
Williams connected on 19 of 33 shots, including going 6 of 11 from downtown. His 52 points on the night were the most in Timberwolves franchise history. It was also the best scoring performance in the NBA so far this season.
Williams told the Minnesota Star Tribune, “I’m shootin’ it in the Pacific tonight!”
The scoring outburst was unusual for the 12 year NBA veteran. Williams is averaging 11.0 points per game this season and has seen a surge in playing time since taking over the starting role for injured point guard Ricky Rubio. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Williams is the player with the second lowest scoring average to ever score 50 or more points in a single game. Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross still remains king in that category, as he was only averaging 9.3 points per game when he dropped 51 last year against the Clippers.
Williams proved he was clutch, scoring 37 of his 52 points in the second half, including 21 in the fourth quarter alone. Despite his jaw-dropping scoring effort, Williams also proved he is a team player by dishing out seven dimes. He finished the game with a well-rounded stat line of 52 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
The Timberwolves hope Williams can keep his hot hand going as they head to Phoenix take on a tough Suns team on Friday.