Kevin Martin dealing with finger issue

Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin didn't shoot the ball well Tuesday, but he still managed to be effective in a 112-97 win over the Jazz.

Martin shot just 5 of 16 from the field, but was still efficient enough to score 18 points. He added a pair of 3-pointers and went 6 of 6 at the free-throw line, while tossing in four rebounds, two assists and one steal in the win.

At one point during the game, Martin suffered a lacerated right pinky and had to leave the game. Afterward, the team's TV play-by-play announcer reported that the injury was not more serious than that, confirming that Martin avoided a broken finger. 

Martin went through an extended slump in December, but has been much better since the start of January. He has scored in double figures in all but one of 10 games, while averaging 17.0 points per game. Hopefully the finger does not become a nagging issue that derails him. The Timberwolves have two days off before their next game, Friday against the Warriors.