With Al Jefferson unavailable, Kevin Love returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday.

"It definitely got me going. You've got energy, your legs are warm, you're feeling good when you start," said Love, who spent 35 minutes on the floor for just the second time since Jan. 11. "I was a lot more energized."

His playing time declined by more than five minutes per game, his scoring dropped from 15.5 per game as a starter to 13.6 as a sub, and his rebounding went from 13.1 as a starter to 9.7.

"At one point, I was sulking a little bit. ... I was tired," said Love, who admitted he sometimes complained -- causing Kurt Rambis to use him even less. Eight times since the all-star break, Love has been on the floor for less than half the game.

"I want to be great. I want to reach what I know I can be. So I had a few bad games, missed some shots, and laid my head down a little. But I got through it. I stood up and started playing some good games again."