"There were assumptions that Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley's hot stretch the past five games — averaging 33 points and shooting 56 percent from the floor — was based on Beasley getting more comfortable in coach Kurt Rambis' triangle offense.

Beasley offered up the real reason for his impressive numbers — a heart-to-heart chat last week in Sacramento with second-year point guard Jonny Flynn.

"He said, 'Man, you got to be that Mike Beasley I remember growing up,' " Beasley said Thursday of Flynn's advice. "Once he said that, I realized this is the same game I've been playing most of my life ... just put the ball in the bucket. That's what I was taught growing up. That's what got me here."

Beasley, leading the Wolves (4-9) with 22.2 points per game, credits the conversation with Flynn for helping him become one of the NBA's more productive players over the past week. Flynn and Beasley have known each other since high school, when they competed in AAU events. Both were in the 2007 McDonald's All-American Game.

Beasley said he and Flynn ordered room service at their Sacramento hotel a few hours before the Wolves played the Kings on Nov. 10. They talked about a variety of things, including their high school days. The night before in Los Angeles against the Lakers, Beasley made only 6 of 15 shots in the Wolves' 99-94 loss. He made 17 of 31 against the Kings and finished with a career-high 42 points to spark a 98-89 victory.

"Ever since that conversation, he woke up," Flynn said of Beasley. "I told him that 'Even in the confines of what Kurt wants to do, you can't lose yourself. ... You have to be who you are. There's a reason you were the No. 2 pick in the (2008) draft.' " "