Everyone has been psychoanalyzing the problems of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but perhaps all along the answer has been as simple as Sam Cassell.

Cassell had one of his finest seasons last year, leading the Wolves to the best record in the west, but this sesaon he has played in just 44 games and now they might miss the playoffs.

The point guard had 18 points on a sharp 7-9 shooting as they beat the Rockets by a final score of 94-86.

``That's the first time we've seen Sam in awhile,'' the always keen Fred Hoiberg said. ``He was very aggressive. That's when we're at our best is when he's out there getting everybody fired up. Hopefully he can play out the rest of the season now.''

``We have to have a little run right now, an eight-game winning streak, something like that,'' Cassell said. ``I think this team has the capability of doing it, but I have to stay on the court.''