Ricky Rubio (ESP)
05/02/2015
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Pass-master Rubio returns from long injury layoff

MINNESOTA (NBA) - Ricky Rubio spent three frustrating months on the sidelines for the Minnesota Timberwolves while recovering from a bad ankle injury.

On Wednesday night, the 24-year-old returned to action and provided a game-winning spark for the T-Wolves in a 102-101 triumph over the Miami Heat.

Rubio started and pushed the ball up the floor.

He had nine assists and two steals to go with his eight points in 23 minutes.

One of his plays that raised plenty of eyebrows was a no-look pass to Anthony Bennett.

Minnesota won for just the ninth time all season.

Coach Flip Saunders is glad to have his floor general back.

"He made a difference early, a difference late," Saunders said.

"With him on the floor, we probably shot around 60 percent and our defense is better."

The coach was not the only person happy to see the starting playmaker on the floor for the first time since 7 November, when he hurt his ankle on a drive to the basket in a game against Orlando.

Kevin Martin, who poured in a game-high 30 points, was among the Minnesota Timberwolves to welcome the Spaniard back with open arms.

"Having a guy like that back in our lineup, you can't put it into words," he said.

Rubio's loss to injury was a hammer blow to a young team that owns the worst record (9-40) in the NBA.

The fans were eager to see their playmaker return.

He is looking forward to making a difference for a team that has a promising future with a lot of talented youngsters.

"I felt good," Rubio said after the win.

"And happy to be back there and playing basketball again.

"I missed it so much."

Rubio was also cautious as he looked ahead.

"I want to do everything all at the same time," he said. 

"(But) I have to take it easy. The ankle is not 100 percent yet.

"Getting back in rhythm takes time."

Rubio went into the season looking to build on a positive FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Though Spain lost in the Quarter-Finals to France, the point guard logged a lot of minutes in the tournament and created plenty of highlight reel plays.

Rubio is expected to be with the Spain squad later this year when it competes at the EuroBasket in France and attempts to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Spanish basketball icon Pau Gasol was among the many to express excitement over Rubio's recovery.

FIBA