Gary Trent wasn't happy with the results he had been getting at the foul line, so he asked for some help.

Instead of approaching one of the Timberwolves' assistant coaches, though, Trent sought out teammate Terrell Brandon on Friday. Not a bad choice: Brandon has made 39 of 40 free throws this season, including 9-for-9 Saturday against San Antonio. His success this season goes on top of a career percentage of .870 (1,740 of 1,999).

Trent, conversely, had gone 2-for-6 in games at Miami and Orlando and is 9-for-21 for the season.

So Brandon spent a good 15 minutes after practice offering Trent advice on his foot placement, his target, his grip, his follow-through and a half dozen other things the average fan wouldn't think of that can make or break a foul shooter.

"It's a lost art. I take great pride in it," Brandon said. "I've always put a lot of practice in. ... Coaches stressed that it could add something to your game by making people pay."