Rubio sets franchise record with 19 assists in victory over Washington

After the Wolves had polished off the Wizards Monday at Target Center, Ricky Rubio was on the court doing a post-game interview when Karl-Anthony Towns ran back onto the court, giving Rubio a big bear hug.

He earned it. Rubio had 22 points and a franchise-record 19 assists tonight in the 119-104 victory over Washington. It was his 17^th double-double of the season and his fourth in the last five games. It also marked the second time in his career he has had back-to-back 20-point games. He handed out 10 assists in the first quarter, matching Chris Paul of the Clippers for most in a quarter in the league this season. It was also a franchise record for assists in a quarter. Rubio also had three steals and five rebounds.

It was the Wolves fourth straight home victory. The last three – against the Clippers, the Warriors and the Wizards – have come against elite teams.

Here are a few other notes from the game:

--Karl-Anthony Towns had 39 points, 13 rebounds. He had 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a huge three-pointer after the Wizards had closed to within five points. It was his 50^th double-double of the season and his franchise-record 21^st consecutive game with 20 or more points.

--Kris Dunn left the arena floor for a bit in the first half after he landed awkwardly after an attempted dunk. He left rubbing his right hand – the same hand he hurt earlier in the season. But he returned to play in the fourth quarter and said he was OK after the game.

--Brandon Rush matched his season high with 12 points and with four three-pointers made.

--The Wolves have now recorded 20 or more assists in a franchise-record 36 straight games, breaking the previous record of 35 set in 1992.

--The Wolves shot 52.3 percent tonight, the 18^th time they've shot 50 percent or better. Minnesota is 14-4 in those games.