Rubio living up to hype in Minnesota so far

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The flashy passes between the legs of defenders and behind his back to open teammates on the wing have been dazzling.

The stutter-step drives to the basket have been electrifying and the jump shots swishing through from distance have been downright unexpected.

Ricky Rubio has brought energy, excitement and a little bit of magic to the Minnesota Timberwolves in his rookie season, but his true impact on one of the NBA's struggling franchises can be measured in a subtle moment from a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Spaniard's sixth in the league, last week.

Timberwolves center Anthony Randolph grabbed a loose ball and dribbled right past Rubio to …