Love scores 4 pts in Team USA win over Tunisia, ESPN on Love's limited playing time for Team USA and more
From the Portland Tribune: U.S. finishes off Tunisia
Lake Oswego High product Kevin Love had four points and five rebounds in 10 minutes.
The Americans led only 39-33 at halftime, then outscored Tunisia (0-5) 24-13 in the third quarter.
Love made 2 of 4 shots from the field, missing his only 3-point try. He also had one assist and one steal, along with a turnover.
From Chris Sheridan/TrueHoop: Team USA: No love for Love from Coach K?
One of the big mysteries surrounding Team USA at the FIBA World Championship is why Kevin Love's playing time has been so limited.
He has been, by far, the most productive and aggressive player for the Americans when it comes to producing points and rebounds off the bench, but he is playing behind Andre Iguodala at the 4 spot and behind Lamar Odom (and sometimes Tyson Chandler) at center.
In yesterday's victory over Iran, which I dissected in my postgame column with a critical eye regarding the Americans' offense, Love led the team in scoring with 13 points despite playing the fewest minutes (just under 11) of anyone on the roster.
"I just go out there and try to be productive. Coach said today everybody's in their roles," Love told ESPN.com...
From Scott Howard-Cooper/NBA.com:
Chances are good Kevin Love would have made the U.S. roster even if David Lee had not been hurt and Amar'e Stoudemire had been able to get insurance coverage. So, it's no surprise that Love is having this much of an impact. From his big-man passing skills to his shooting to his intelligence -- he's such a perfect fit for the international game.
From Chris Tomasson/Fanhouse: Team USA Clinches Group B by Beating Iran
Love was ready early Wednesday, scoring nine of his points in the first half when the game was somewhat close. He looked wise beyond his 21 years.
"I didn't do a clean shave because, if I did that, then I would really look like I was 12 years old,'' Love said of his date with the razor.
The baby-faced big man left some hair intact. But the aerodynamics still were very much in place.
From Trey Kerby/Ball Don't Lie: Even Kevin Love has no idea what David Kahn is doing
From Austin Burton/Dime Magazine: Forget Pistol Pete: Ricky Rubio is the next Jason Kidd
While Beasley didn't make the expected huge sophomoric leap last season, keep in mind that the 21 year old forward averaged 14.8 points on a playoff squad, shot 45 percent from the floor and connected on 80 percent of his attempts from the free throw line --- all in a season where most felt his was underachieving / sleepwalking.
In Minnesota he'll likely be the first frontcourt player off the bench with a primary responsibility of backing up power forward Kevin Love and will have further chances to get minutes in the lineup at small forward when Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis decides to go big.
The average age of Minnesota's roster sits at less than 24 years old and he's one of the few players on the team with playoff experience. There's no reason why Beasley shouldn't emerge as one of the best bench players in the game after the season ends.