It was only a matter of time

[MavsFanFinley]

Timberwolves palce F Gary Trent on injured list

January 12, 2002

WASHINGTON (TICKER) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves keep losing players and winning games.

The Timberwolves placed forward Gary Trent on the injured list Saturday, one day after he suffered a high sprain in his left ankle. Trent will be sidelined two to four weeks.

Starting for the injured Joe Smith, Trent suffered the injury in the first quarter of Friday's 120-102 win over the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota's seventh straight victory.

In his seventh season and first with the Timberwolves, the 6-8 Trent had not missed a game. He was averaging 7.5 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Trent joined starting point guard Terrell Brandon on the injured list. Smith and Brandon are expected back later this month.

With Smith and Trent sidelined, veteran Sam Mitchell started at power forward. The long-time Timberwolf is averaging 2.6 points in limited action this season.

To replace Trent on the roster, the Wolves activated rookie guard Maurice Evans from the IL. Evans has scored just two points in three games this season.

Minnesota came into Saturday's game with Washington atop the Midwest Division with a 26-9 record.

[djb]

If he stays on IR for at least half the season, then I think I can finally rest easy on letting him go for nothing!