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RIO DE JANEIRO -- When Tom Thibodeau and Scott Layden were hired to take over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the expectation within the organization and around the NBA was that they were coming in to make significant changes to a franchise with the longest-running playoff drought in the league.Ricky Rubio heard his name floated in the constant trade rumor mill, never more than after the Wolves selected Providences Kris Dunn, another point guard, with the fifth overall pick in the June draft.Rubio remained quiet throughout the summer, putting all of his focus into grieving the loss of his mother and then joining his national team to prepare for the Olympics. Now that the Rio Games have concluded and Rubio has earned a bronze medal with Spain, he said he is looking forward to returning to Minnesota to work with Dunn and reiterated his desire to remain with the Timberwolves and help turn them into a winner.Really its a challenge. When a young guy like him who has a lot of potential comes, I think we can really play together, Rubio told The Associated Press. But if we dont [share the floor often], I can really help him [Dunn].Rubio said he was pleased by Thibodeaus hiring and believes the new coaching staff will make a big difference on a young, impressionable roster.I think weve got all the pieces together to make something happen, he said. Im really excited about the new coach and the new staff. They have a lot of years in their backpack and really can teach us how to reach the next level. I think we have the tools. We just have to put all them together.Thibodeau has said he can see Dunn and Rubio playing together in certain lineups, and indications within the organization are that there are no current efforts to trade the veteran starter. One of the teams biggest weaknesses last season was the lack of a solid backup to Rubio at point guard, a setup that caused the Wolves to try to move Zach LaVine from his more natural shooting guard spot.With Dunn in the mix, the Wolves have more depth now. And Rubios presence assures the team doesnt have to force a rookie into a starting spot at one of the games most important positions.The 25-year-old Rubio is entering his sixth season and has yet to see the playoffs. He said that concerns him far more than his team investing a high lottery pick on a player at his position. Rubio believes he can serve as a mentor to Dunn and hopes the two can push each other to new heights.Its something that Ive said since day one. said Rubio, who averaged 10.1 points and 8.7 assists per game last season. I dont want to be in the newspaper. I just want to win. Thats my goal. If I have to sacrifice something -- I will to make this team a winning team.That is the mentality he took on over the summer with Spain, a team filled with proud veterans who take lesser roles when they get together in the summer to compete in the Olympics.All we do [with Spain] when we click is put all the egos apart and really click as a team, Rubio said. The guy who really knows how to [play] defense, put him in on defense. The guy who is exceptional on offense, give him credit and give him the ball. Put everything apart and the team first.Rubio has had several conversations with Thibodeau since he was hired. But they havent had the time to really dig into the situation. Thibodeau was an assistant on Team USA in Rio, so now that the Olympics are over, the two expect to have more in-depth conversations.In my five years Ive been there, definitely its the best group, Rubio said. Players, coaches, you put it all together and its the best weve ever had. The excitement is real. We have really young talent that can really take us to the next level with veterans that can help. And the coach, I think, is going to be the key and the difference.Trinity Benson Jersey . Hazard cut in from the left and scored with a swerving right-footed shot for ninth goal of the season, which proved to be enough for the victory despite Chelseas forwards again lacking a cutting edge up front. Derek Wolfe Jersey . -- About a third of the way through the regular season, the Washington Wizards are at . http://www.cheapbroncosjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=authentic-joe-dineen-jersey . Louis. To which I would say two things: 1. Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less. Sua Cravens Jersey . After Mondays hard-fought loss, the wait seemed longer than usual. Getting set to go their separate ways for a short Christmas break, the Raptors coach credited his team for their effort on a seemingly impossible three-game road trip, urging them to build on that success when they get back to work at the end of the week. Jeff Heuerman Jersey .ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check.MONTREAL -- The Carolina Hurricanes are coming in hot.After a first month of the season that featured more lows than highs, the Hurricanes ride a five-game winning streak into Thursday nights contest against the Montreal Canadiens. Its their most successful stretch since December 31, 2013 to January 9, 2014.Better contributions throughout the lineup, Carolina coach Bill Peters said after his teams practice in Montreal on Wednesday afternoon. Before, we had one or two lines going; now weve got all four going. Were playing the game the right way, were playing hard, unselfishly and for each other, and weve been receiving good goaltending, and thats a recipe for success.Goaltender Cam Ward is the key to the Hurricanes success, enjoying a strong November between the pipes. The veteran netminder is 6-1-2 this month, allowing 14 goals and recording a 1.53 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. Its a notable drop from his October stats, when he won once in five starts while averaging 3.64 goals-against and recording an .869 save percentage.Outstanding. Hes been very good, Peters said of Ward. He was good early in the year, too. Weve tightened up defensively a little bit and that makes our goaltenders look better, whether its Eddie (Lack) or Cam in net. Theyre making some timely saves when weve needed them to.Its shown on the scoresheet, with Peters squad allowing a mere five goals against during their current streak.The Hurricanes and Canadiens face off for the second time in less than a week. The two met last Friday in Carolina, with the home side skating away with a 3-2 victory. Montreal dominated the first two periods and held a 1-0 lead in that contest but the Hurricanes pushed through with a strong third period, scoring three times in six minutes in the first half off the frame.ddddddddddddMontreal is coming off a strong effort in a losing cause to Ottawa on Tuesday night. The Canadiens held three separate one-goal leads but defensive miscues and unlucky bounces handed the Canadiens their fourth loss in their past five games since a 13-1-1 start.The top line of left wing Paul Byron, center Alex Galchenyuk, and right wing Alexander Radulov has been the catalyst of Montreals offense. Galchenyuk and Radulov each scored again versus the Senators, giving the trio eight goals in six games as a unit.Yeah, we scored two goals and got some chances but its not all about scoring goals, said Radulov, who is tied for second on the team with 17 points and tied for second in assists with Galchenyuk (13). We got that second goal and were up 2-1 ... but then we come back on the ice and give them a 2-on-1 break, and tie the game.Thats something we have to work on -- not just our line but the whole team. When we score a goal we know that the opponent is going to come hard to try to get that back so we have to be ready.Montreals power play has been finding the back of the net over the last two weeks, converting at least once in five of its past six games. It struck twice against Ottawa on Tuesday but left others on the table with seven opportunities at their disposal. The Canadiens are in tough against the Hurricanes, who lead the NHL and are 22-for-22 in their last 10 games.The Canadiens will be without defenseman Nathan Beaulieu, who will miss at least one game after taking a shot to the throat/neck Tuesday night. The team called up Mark Barberio from the AHLs St. Johns IceCaps while sending blueliner Joel Hanley back down.Cheap JerseysThe team called up Mark Barberio frtball Jerseys Wholesale Baseball Jerseys ' ' '