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Gomes, Jefferson lead Timberwolves over Efes Pilsen

Oct 6, 2007 - 8:55 PM ISTANBUL, Turkey (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves showcased their revamped roster on the international stage.

Newly acquired forwards Ryan Gomes and Al Jefferson combined for 23 points and 30 rebounds as the Timberwolves posted an 84-81 victory over Turkish club Efes Pilsen in their preseason opener on Saturday afternoon.

Ricky Davis added 12 points for Minnesota, which was playing its first game since dealing franchise centerpiece Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics in an unprecedented seven-for-one megadeal this past summer.

The Timberwolves received a package of picks and young players - including Gomes, Jefferson, swingman Gerald Green, guard Sebastian Telfair and center Theo Ratliff.

A former All-American at Providence, the 6-7 Gomes is a hard-working role player who may garner a more prominent role with the inexperienced Timberwolves. He scored 12 points, shot 5-of-9 from the field and grabbed 13 rebounds on Saturday.

Jefferson, an emerging star in the pivot, filled Garnett's void nicely in the relaxed exhibition opener. The 6-10 forward scored 11 points, snagged 17 rebounds and shot 4-of-8 from the floor.

But more importantly for Minnesota, it was able to put its whirlwind offseason in the past and focus on banding together its young talent. However, it faced a pesky Efes Pilsen squad.

Trailing, 77-76, with 2:41 left in the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves finally took the lead for good on Jefferson's jumper with 44 seconds left. Telfair and Randy Foye made six free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

Former Maryland standout Drew Nicholas had 25 points for Pilsen, which shot just 35 percent (28-of-80) from the field.