The New York Knicks will need solid defense Friday night to slow down Ricky Rubio when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:00 pm ET.
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Rubio has totaled 25 assists in his last two games for the short-handed Timberwolves heading into this matchup.
His passing skills haven't translated to victories, with the Timberwolves losing eight of nine. Still, the club likes what it has seen from Rubio this week in a 14-assist performance against Portland rookie Damian Lillard and an 11-assist effort versus San Antonio's Tony Parker.
"He's been playing really well lately," center Greg Stiemsma said. "His pace of the game, his playcalling, everything is elevated. It's fun to see, fun to be a part of."
Meanwhile, the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony scored 33 in the first meeting and his teams have won 15 of their last 16 games against Minnesota, including all seven visits to the Target Center -- where he has not played since joining New York.
It has been more than two seasons since Amare Stoudemire last faced the Wolves on Dec. 6, 2010. Stoudemire has been finding a rhythm off the bench, averaging 18.4 points on 67.6 percent shooting over his last seven games.
Knicks center Tyson Chandler had his streak of 20-rebound games end at three after he grabbed 13 against the Wizards. Emerging Wolves center Nikola Pekovic has totaled 42 points and 30 rebounds in his last two matchups against Chandler and New York.
The Knicks are second in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 38.4 percent but went 6 for 26 (23.1) in the first meeting for their third-worst mark of the season. Minnesota is last in the league at 30.2 percent.
