(Reuters) – Minnesota forward Kevin Love made a surprise seasonal debut on Wednesday, returning prematurely from a hand injury with a strong performance that quickly restored his All-Star form.
Love broke his right hand in a pre-season workout on Oct. 18 and was expected to miss 6-8 weeks, but was back on court quicker than expected and thrived with 34 points and 14 rebounds in the Timberwolves’ 101-94 home loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the defeat, the Minnesota fans roared in amazement when Love was announced in the starting line-up.
The team had not revealed he would be returning to action, keeping his progress concealed.
“I didn’t want to make a big deal about it,” Love told reporters. “I told my team mates and they didn’t really believe me and once they saw a jersey in my locker, they believed it was true.
“More than anything I’m just upset we didn’t win.”
Known for his ferocious rebounding and versatile shooting, the 6ft-10in Love made 12 of his 25 shot attempts and added two three-pointers.
Love led the Timberwolves last season with averages of 26 points and 13.3 rebounds and has played in the last two All-Star games.
