"Not long before Wednesday's game the Timberwolves got the news that starting point guard Luke Ridnour, seeing to a family matter, would not be able to play against the Memphis Grizzlies at Target Center.

That meant two things: That Jonny Flynn, in his 23rd game back from hip surgery, would get his first start of the season. And that Sebastian Telfair would get his first meaningful playing time since Flynn returned.

The result? The Wolves' offense struggled during a 102-84 loss to the Grizzlies. But it wasn't entirely the fault of point guard play.

"They did some good things out there," Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said.

Flynn, playing a season-high 26 minutes and 12 seconds, went 5-for-9 with 11 points, five assists, two steals and a turnover. In 21:48 Telfair was 3-for-8 with six points, five assists and two turnovers.

Not bad numbers. But the Wolves' offense was stagnant for much of the night, with Kevin Love in particular not getting his customary shots.

A grade? "I would say a B," Flynn said. But know that Flynn, at this point, is more focused on where he is physically than anything else. And he said he felt good, loose and quick Wednesday, more so than at any point in the season.

That said, he still has a long ways to go after missing summer workouts, training camp and preseason.

"I could have done a better job organizing the team, getting KLove the touches. ... I take responsibility for that," he said.

Flynn started out rather well, getting two long jumpers early in the game in the flow of the offense. But he, like the rest of the Wolves, struggled at the start of the second half; Rambis pulled him after two quick misses in the third quarter."