Rookie Steven Hunter's experience with the Orlando Magic has not strayed the expected course.

There are nights that show flashes of his potential, such as his third start, a 17-minute effort against Utah in which he scored eight points, grabbed four rebounds and blocked three shots.

More often are nights such as Hunter's past three starts. Averaging 13 minutes in that span, he went scoreless against Minnesota on Nov. 17 and had two and six points against Phoenix and the Wolves, respectively. In the same span, he had no rebounds or points against Minnesota.

Every night is a new plain for Hunter, but his performance Wednesday night in a 117-106 win over Minnesota was a new peak for the rookie. From a baseline tomahawk jam in the 1st quarter to his first half rebounding, Hunter looked nothing like a rookie. Hunter's five first half rebounds helped Orlando to a 24-20 halftime rebounding lead and slowed Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett to 10 first half points on 4-of-13 shooting.

Coach Doc Rivers, who started Hunter against the Kings over Andrew DeClercq, has expected up-and-down performances from his rookie with each start. But the added athleticism and energy Hunter provides proved a worthy gamble against the Wolves.

"Steven Hunter had a great night tonight," Rivers said. "He was getting mauled so I told him your first thing is you've got to get the other team to know your name. I think after tonight I think Minnesota knows who he is. The next trick is you've got get the officials to know your name."