Ricky Rubio Provides Spark For Timberwolves In First NBA Game

Rarely in NBA history has there been a prospect with the sort of hype and circuitous path to the NBA that Ricky Rubio has had. Selected with the fifth pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, it took Rubio two years to make it to America, and more specifically Minnesota. But after his flashy debut on Monday, it's safe to say most Timberwolves fans have already concluded that Rubio was worth the way.

The 21-year-old Spanish point guard played 26 minutes off the bench for Minnesota, and had six points, six assists, and five rebounds. Perhaps more impressively, Rubio had zero turnovers, despite playing with the sort of flair that has made him a tantalizing maverick floor general, and replaced starter Luke Ridnour in the waning moments of the fourth quarter.

The concern about Rubio's defense remains — he committed four fouls, and looked very lost on one Russell Westbrook and-one late in the game — but Canis Hoopus is already over the moon for the Wolves' new star:

First and foremost, it has been almost 2 1/2 years since Ricky Rubio's name was called out on draft night. It was pretty cool to finally see him in uniform and it was even cooler to see him perform just like we thought he would: amazing court vision, peerless passing, tremendous ball security, and risk-taking defense. He is everything we'd thought he'd be and that's something to be excited about.

For more on Rubio and the Timberwolves, visit Canis Hoopus.

Thunder Vs. Timberwolves Final Score: Minnesota Drops Opener 104-100 To Oklahoma City

The Minnesota Timberwolves showed signs of major progress from last season's 17-65 campaign before ultimately falling 104-100 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night at the Target Center.

Michael Beasley led Minnesota with 24 points on 11-27 shooting while Kevin Love added 22 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Meanwhile, second overall draft pick Derrick Williams came off the bench to add 13 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes while Ricky Rubio contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in 26 minutes off the bench.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook predictably starred in the win for Oklahoma City, scoring 33 and 28 points respectively. The other three starters for the Thunder, Thabo Sefolosha, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins, combined to score just 14 points.

The Timberwolves stayed close throughout despite converting just 3-22 three-pointers after making 53.8 % of their long-range attempts in two preseason wins over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Timberwolves head to the road to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday evening before returning home for five games, starting with last year's NBA finalists Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks.

Thunder Vs. Timberwolves Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Minnesota Timberwolves will start the season with a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Will Rick Adelman be able to turn the ship around?