MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota rookie Kevin Love made an impressive debut with 12 points and nine rebounds in 19 minutes, and Al Jefferson had 21 points and 10 rebounds to help the Timberwolves to a season-opening 98-96 victory over the Kings on Wednesday night.
John Salmons scored 21 of his 24 points in the second half, and rookie Jason Thompson had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, who nearly stole the game in the closing minutes.
The Kings had two chances to tie or take the lead in the final 33 seconds, but Kevin Martin missed two open three-pointers, and Salmons' putback at the buzzer was off the mark.
Spencer Hawes had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Martin had 17 points for the Kings.
Minnesota coach Randy Wittman showed a lot of faith in Love. Though Love didn't start, he was inserted with the offense growing stagnant in the fourth quarter and immediately made a difference.
With the Wolves clinging to an 81-80 lead, Love threw down a dunk to get the crowd going, then made a baby hook shot and converted the three-point play to give Minnesota a 90-84 lead with 6:17 to go.
The Kings' Thompson also was impressive in his debut, muscling the small Minnesota front line and creating second chances.
Minnesota prevailed despite going 11 of 22 from the free-throw line.
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