Houston Rockets defeat Minnesota Timberwolves, 97-84

Al Jefferson returned to the Timberwolves and the starting lineup on Wednesday night against Houston after a two-game absence to be with his grandmother, who died in Florida on Thursday.

Jefferson left the team after last Wednesday's home loss to Portland and arrived in Fort Lauderdale in the afternoon a week ago today, 30 minutes before Annie Bell Randolph, 83, died.

He left when he did rather than wait for an off day on Sunday at the suggestion of Wolves head coach...

"Well, boys ... I haven't a thing to say.

Played a great game ... all of you. Great game...

I guess we just can't expect to win 'em all ..."

Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis claims he has an inspirational speech tucked away in his pocket, but he's not using it.

Not now. Not yet. Not even after a 97-84 loss to Houston at Target Center on Wednesday night made his team 1-11 to start the season.

"It's not my job to provide them with a Knute Rockne speech every sin...