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Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Where's the Geek?
Well, it's just a good thing the Wolves have chosen to be consistent this season, as it's obvious the WolvesGeek has not.
Once again, the WolvesGeek has been sidelined by incessant, insidious travel. From February 17-March 29, the WolvesGeek is disappointing one and all (including his wife) by not spending a single weekend and scarcely a weekday at home. With a laptop on the fritz (and much of the travel international in any event), the WolvesGeek is sorry to say this space is going to be wasted much of the next month.
All that being said, stay tuned for what will hopefully be the most exciting April, May, and dare I say, June in team history. WolvesGeek will be there for it.
That is of course, unless the Wolves go to the NBA finals, in which case I'll be watching from a surfside bar in Portugal. Work trip. I promise.
I'll check in when I can, but in the meantime enjoy the best Wolves team in history.
Well, it's just a good thing the Wolves have chosen to be consistent this season, as it's obvious the WolvesGeek has not.
Once again, the WolvesGeek has been sidelined by incessant, insidious travel. From February 17-March 29, the WolvesGeek is disappointing one and all (including his wife) by not spending a single weekend and scarcely a weekday at home. With a laptop on the fritz (and much of the travel international in any event), the WolvesGeek is sorry to say this space is going to be wasted much of the next month.
All that being said, stay tuned for what will hopefully be the most exciting April, May, and dare I say, June in team history. WolvesGeek will be there for it.
That is of course, unless the Wolves go to the NBA finals, in which case I'll be watching from a surfside bar in Portugal. Work trip. I promise.
I'll check in when I can, but in the meantime enjoy the best Wolves team in history.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
A Geek's Night Out
by John Bonnes
One of the more frustrating aspects of running a web site like TwinsGeek or WolvesGeek is that while you know how many are reading, you don't actually know WHO is reading. After a while that becomes a fact that you cease to dwell on, but it's still pretty gratifying when an editor for a city paper makes a point of meeting you and tells you that he frequently stops by your site. So much of writing everyday is just plain blind faith that someone finds it worthwhile, and it's fun to find out that "someone" includes a person that evaluates writing for a living.
I imagine Cory was feeling something similar to that when he got a email from the Timberwolves on Friday. And the change in altitude between that high and the immediate low that followed might very well have made him black out. Because the reason the Wolves were calling was to invite him to visit them, review their new web site, and sit in press row to watch the Wolves take on the Orlando Magic last night.
And, tragically, Cory lives in Virginia. On the other hand, I've never been so happy that a genuinely good guy and sports geek lives 1000 miles away, because that left me as a representative of the Wolves Geek.
Wine me. Dine me. Make me feel like a big shot. I've got no problem with living in a little fantasy world for a night.
I've often wondered if I would like being a full time sports writer and have generally rejected it because it seems like the hours would make me miss my family. Oh, and because nobody has ever expressed any interest whatsoever in paying me for that job. Or even letting me do it for free. Hold it - was that out loud? The family - it's the family thing that my excuse. Yeah.
So last night was my chance for a test spin. The thing is, I don't know that much about basketball. In fact, Cory became the Wolves Geek when I started writing about it and he sent me an email that basically said I didn't know what I was talking about. Not that I'm going to let a little ignorance stop me - it never stops Phil Rogers.
So let's find out what's it like to have access to virtually anywhere except the court itself, to eat a free meal in the press room, and to sit in some of the best seats in the house with my laptop in hand. Needless to say, I took notes - lots of notes.
4:04 - I'm met at the door of the Wolves offices by Paul Thompson, the media relations director who is the brainchild of letting an independent sports geek have unadulterated access to his place of business. Giggle. Nice to meet you Paul.
4:10 - It's like Paul has done research on me, because he starts the behind-the-scenes tour with my two most anticipated highlights - the media room buffet and the seats where I'm going to watch the game. My seat is at a small press table set aside for scouts and bloggers five rows behind the Magic bench. It's unbelievable.
4:11 - I look for the candid camera. This has got to be a setup.
4:15 - Assured it is not a practical joke, I break down in tears. Paul wonders what the hell he's done.
4:30 - I meet the people responsible for the new Timberwolves.com, including Ted Johnson the Director of Communications for the Wolves. Then new site is going to be "flipped on" during the first time out break of tonight's game and view the new web site, and it looks like the implementation of their new system is going about as well as most. In other words, people are kind of frantic and scrambling a bit, but resigned to their fate.
They let me click around on the new site in what looks like their shred environment. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be "pretty". The site has all new logos and design, a more elegant navigation system and lots of lots of emphasis on pictures, video and the dance team?
Turns out that the 3rd most visited part of the old Timberwolves.com was the Dance Team area, so it's expanded. Plus, the Wolves apparently felt that way too many of us were happily married, because for each dance team member there is now a profile, a gallery of images and video of her doing cheers. The Voice or Reason is going to love watching Sherry shake her pom-poms. And I predict a run on high speed cable subscriptions in the near future.
Anyway, the whole thing is far slicker than it was in the past, and pretty impressive visually. Judging from the architecture and limitations that NBA web sites work under, I expect it was a fair amount of work both from a technical and political angle. Of course, there could be some improvements, like having a link to WolvesGeek.com prominently displayed, but we'll work on that in the future....
5:00 - The Twins Geek is turned loose on the Media Room buffet. Tonight's dinner includes salad, corn, ham, skin on mashed potatoes and tomato basil soup. The mashed potatoes are killer, and I wonder to myself if they mashed up some potatoes and added butter, or vice versa.
5:05 - I'm joined at the table by Eric and Eric - a couple of guys from a TV station in Duluth. They've driven down to get some footage of MV3 that they hope to use over and over on Wolves coverage over the next couple weeks. Unfortunately for them, they had trouble getting into the arena for the morning shoot around, so they're pretty much at the mercy of the post game locker room interviews, and the Wolves are flying out tonight for tomorrow's game versus Atlanta. We talk about UMD hockey and the mashed potatoes.
5:45 - I enter the arena through the gate passing by the kids looking for an autograph. They take great joy in reminding me that I'm nobody - like I need that. My own kids do a good enough job of that.
6:10 - I'm joined at the table by a couple of scouts for the Grizzlies (who the Wolves play on Sunday) and the Cavaliers (Friday night). We talk baseball for a while (Finally, something I know about!). Then I ask about a how they scout teams.
The Cavaliers scout scribbles down the movements of the key players on a little half court diagram for each Wolves possession. He also notes what the play was that Flip called, either verbally or by his hand signal. Its fascinating to look at those charts.
He also talks a little bit about a statistical movement going on in the NBA. At the head of it is a gentleman named Jordan Cohn, who is now working for the New York Knicks. By breaking down tape, he literally puts together splits like we're used to in baseball, like what percentage a player shoots while guarded or unguarded, or what percentage of time they drive to the left or right. Note to self: Interview Jordan Cohn.
7:00 - As group after group makes their way to center court for some presentation or another, one can't help but be struck by the controlled chaos of the whole event that is and NBA game. When I first arrived Paul walked me past a large meeting room full of people where they were going over the events of the night. It reminded me of the police room meetings in Hill Street Blues. At the time, I wondered how come they needed so many people to be involved for the events surrounding a single game. It seems pretty clear now. One more thing - let's be careful out there.
7:08 - The game starts with lots of intriguing matchups. First of all, the Magic's Trenton Hassel (key defender) is Keith Bogans, and he's matched up on Latrell Sprewell. The Wolves biggest advantage seems to be at point guard where Sam Cassell is being guarded by the oompa-loompa sized Tyronn Lue. He must have six inches on Lue.
Defensively, the Wolves are starting Trenton Hassel against Tracy McGrady, which surprises me a little since McGrady always seems to really struggle when Garnett has covered him. But the Magic added Juwan Howard in the off season, so Garnett has drawn Howard while Hassel has to cover the taller McGrady. I wonder if McGrady starts to turn it on if the Wolves will switch on him?
7:20 - KG makes another turnaround jump shot, this time from the baseline, to tie the game at 12. Does he ever miss those? Is it possible that he is shooting around 75% on the year? The statistics show he makes just 49% of his shots. Is that possible? Could they be counting passes or rebounds as shots? Honestly, watching him shoot this year is like watching someone play catch. You just never think he's going to miss.
7:25 - KG misses something like his next four shots. This is why I write about the Twins.
7:27 - During the first quarter break, I ask the scout next to me who is the 4th most valuable player on the Wolves. He thinks it's been Gary Trent early, but Oliver Miller lately. Huh. I thought I would hear Hassel's name. Huh.
Incidentally, McGrady's stats for the first quarter are about par for when he plays against the Wolves, meaning they're bad. He was just 2 for 7 shooting with 1 rebound and 1 turnover. But the Wolves struggled a bit early (again) and are down 24-26 at the end of the first half.
7:30 - Rumor has it that the Magic have been talking about trading Juwan Howard (possibly to the Wolves) because they feel like Drew Gooden can step into the starting power forward position. I mention this because in Gooden's first 10 seconds on the court, Garnett just drove past him unhindered for a monster dunk.
7:38 - Apparently the Croatian word for irritating European guard is Giricek.
7:39 - The Wolves have come up with an interesting in-game promotion. They choose three random fans and have them belt out their irritating scream into a microphone attached to the PA system.
7:45 - A referee calls Sam Cassell for kicking a ball and Cassell wants to have a chat about it. This trait of Cassell's is just one of many that had Timberwolves fans all ready to dislike him this year. The shoot first mentality, the talking to the officials, the desire to take big shots in the fourth quarter - Wolves fans expected to shake their heads when talking about Cassell.
Just the opposite has happened. Sam Cassell is at least the second most valuable Timberwolf, and I think you can make and argument based on his fourth quarter heroics that it's not a distant second. He seems to really trust his teammates, which never happened in Milwaukee, and any criticism of him regarding selfish play just isn't paying attention. Sam Cassell made the all-star game yesterday, and in my mind he should be starting at point guard for the Western Conference. He's that good. And I'm pleasantly amazed.
7:46 - The dance team performs to a Justin Timberlake song with mascot Crunch in the middle. At the end, one of them reaches across Crunch's shirt and rips off a panel over his right breast. Underneath, it says "KG4MVP". No piercing that I can see.
7:48 - The shivers from the most irritating shriek competition just left my spine.
7:51 - It's time for the Klements Meat the Timberwolves feature, this time profiling profiles Mark Madsen. These might be the greatest short bio features ever made. We learn that Mark Madsen likes chicken and they aren't afraid to show his dance moves. If the Timberwolves don't start placing these video on their new web site I may have to consider drastic action. They are the best.
7:55 - Oh good. My ears have stopped bleeding from the most irritating shriek competition.
7:58 - In the last 5 minutes McGrady realized he isn't being guarded by KG. He's gone off, making shots, crashing the boards, just generally finding his rhythm. He finishes the 2nd quarter with 16 points, and that's good enough for the Magic to finish the first quarter just down just 3 points at 51-48.
8:00 - The half time show is DOG RACING!!! The scout next to me is entranced....
"Look at them! They're smacking their f***ing head into that f***ing wall going full speed to get that f***ing ball!! They're REALLY smacking their heads."
I can't help but agree. I wonder if "Booker" is going to end up looking like Muhammad Ali in about five years.
8:10 - I dash to the media room for the half time cookies that are supposed to be there and find myself face to face with five layers of chocolate cake with hazelnut frosting. Looks like I'm going to be late for the second half.
8:12 - Speaking of eating, one of the scouts turns a little pale when he sees the man who ate Kirby Puckett in the crowd. He looks a little like someone just ran over his dog.
8:13 - The Magic starts the second half with Rod Strickland at point guard. I didn't even recognize him the first half without his limp. It's a good move by the magic because Cassell started posting up low against Lue about 10 seconds into the game. The Magic defense would come over to help, but Cassell knows how to take advantage of a double team.
8:15 - Kevin Garnett takes his first two free throws of the night. Has anyone else noticed that you never hear criticism about KG not driving the lane enough anymore? And it's not because he does - it's because suddenly he doesn't have to. What used to be cited as a critical fault in his game isn't even noticed anymore.
And while we're talking about debunking perceptions, it might be worthwhile to dig up the columns two playoff series ago about KG's "heart" and compare them to his portrayal now as a team leader. I can only see two ways you can look at this dichotomy. Either you believe that "heart" leads to wins, in which case, you need to believe that after 26 years of life, KG suddenly changed emotionally/spiritually and gained "heart" when Sprewell and Cassell joined the team. Or you can believe that wins lead to the perception of "heart", in which case Garnett is basically the same person, he just just gained some help when Sprewell and Cassell joined the team. I'll let you form your own conclusion.
8:25 - Oliver Miller makes his first appearance. Why so late? This smells like some disciplinarian statement. Did he eat a slab or ribs or something?
8:30 - Oliver Miller travels after grabbing a rebound and looks like he wants to crawl into a hole. John Thompson, who developed his fair share of centers at Georgetown, once wrote that the easiest way to get the most out of a center is to make sure he's accepted, encouraged and valued by the team. He believed that big men are generally very self-conscious about their size, and that the easiest way to turn a big guy into a great center is to work on his confidence by having the team make him feel welcome. Big O doesn't look very confident right now.
8:33 - It's midway through the third quarter, and it's hard to believe that the Magic is close. The Wolves are for the most part getting good looks - they just aren't knocking them down much. A lot of these are coming in the transition game where the Wolves are creating mismatches before the Magic can get get their zone defense set.
8:36 - Dance Team time, and I'm a bit confused. I've always had it on very good authority (The Voice of Reason) that the girls in the dance team weren't real. They sure don't look animatronic to me.
8:40 - The big run finally happens. The Wolves get a couple of transition baskets, but really turn it on when Fred Hoiberg's hits a couple of three pointers. At the end of the third quarter the Wolves are up by 12, 84-72. They haven't slowed down McGrady, who has 30 points, but there's too many other black holes in their lineup.
8:45 - The role player for the Magic step up to cut the lead to seven points, led by Tyronn Lue and Drew Gooden. The Wolves are struggling in part because the Magic is over committing to point guard Derrick Martin, and he's struggling to make them pay. Sure enough, Sam Cassell replaces Martin shortly into the fourth quarter.
8:47 - I notice for the first time that I'm directly across the court from "Coach". Funny, the two seats next to him are empty. Whoulda thunk?
8:49 - Things are getting chippy, and I think Gary Trent is about to take a seat. First he got hammered while putting up an offensive rebound but only made one shot. Then he received a technical foul for talking to the official on the other end. Then he was hammered again under the basket and he and Pachulia needed to be seperated. He looks like he's ready to kneecap someone.
8:50 - Garnett replaces Trent on the floor. Now Trent looks like he wants to kneecap Flip. And he probably would If Flip existed. Which he clearly doesn't in Trent's mind.
8:56 - The return of KG puts the Wolves on a mini-run and they're up 93-82. But McGrady isn't finished. He answers with a big shot while looking Latrell dead in the eyes. Flip decides it's time for Sprewell to rest as Hassel comes in.
9:01 - And sure enough McGrady's first shot is altered by Hassel's presence. Cory's point yesterday about whether Wally should start over Hassel is valid. Or at least it's fair to ask which one is on the floor versus a scoring guard. Hassell has single-handedly shut down Kobe Bryant and Alan Iverson in the last month, and one wonders if he shouldn't be considered the starter versus guards like Mike Bibby or Steve Nash. I'm not sure this team isn't better with him on the floor versus teams with guards that can hurt the Wolves.
9:05 - Rod Strickland limps off the court. A fan behind me yells "Retire!" at him and Rod gives him the single finger salute. There'll likely be a fine, but I'm not sure I can blame Rod for a hand gesture at that point. The man has wasted a lot of ability, is clearly hanging on, must be frustrated to be hurt so much, and was probably in significant pain as he left the court. The single finger is probably four or nine less fingers than he wanted to show the guy.
9:07 - Juwan Howard missed another shot, and the fourth quarter is turning into a rout. Howard will end up as the second leading scorer on the Magic, but when your competition is named DeClercq, Bogans and Lue, that's pretty faint praise. There have been a lot of rumors about trade talks for Howard between the Wolves and Magic, possible for Michael Olowokandi, but after tonight I just don't see it. Howard is a power forward, but he's not a classic bruiser or intimidator. He's a short, slightly more muscular, Kevin Garnett. I'd still rather have a healthy Olowokandi. Maybe Howard is hurt tonight or something, but he's done very little to impress me tonight.
9:09 - The Venga Bus is coming. And everybody's jumping.
9:11 - Garbage time officially begins with 2:11 left. . McGrady is already gone, and KG is pulled and given a standing ovation amidst chants of "MVP!" Hey, am I gonna get to see Doody?
9:14 - Hoorah! With 1:07 left, Derrick Martin intentionally grabs and fouls his guy to stop the clock so Ndudi Ebi can get into the game. The other players on the Wolves seems to genuinely like this kid. That gives me some hope, because from the outside it sure looks like wasted draft pick and roster spot for a team that needs to figure out a way to find room for some injured players.
9:16 - Ebi drives, is fouled, and looks like he hurt his ankle a bit. He makes his second free throw. By now the crowd is chanting "Ebi! Ebi!" which is probably the quickest way to get his teammates to hate him.
9:17 - The game ends in another Timberwolves victory.
9:25 - Flip Saunders walks into the room for his post game press conference – and half a dozen reporters follow him up to the podium and surround him. He gives a brief synopsis and answers about three questions. Frankly, there isn't that much to ask. It was a workmanlike game against a team with less talent and seemingly less desire. The Wolves traded points until late in the third quarter when they went on a spurt fueled by transition baskets against a slow developing zone defense and some sharp three point shooting. What exactly do you ask him?
9:27- Flip wraps up his chat with the media and then is drawn in to the back room by Sid Hartman, who apparently needs his own interview.
9:35 - Post game interviews in the Wolves locker room. The most surprising aspect for me is how hushed and polite everyone is. Cassell is obviously a hot commodity because of his all-star selection, and Mark Madsen has a long conversation with many reporters about how happy he is with the Wolves. Fred Hoiberg, Derrick Marting, Ervin Johnson, Derrick Martin and Trenton Hassell all have brief conversations. And then everyone gathers in the corner of the locker room near Malik Sealy's old locker, waiting.
10:01 - The media guys in the locker room do what guys who are waiting do - they talk about ridiculously mundane crap. Tonight's topic: Is the Timberwolves locker room the smallest home locker room in the NBA? The topic sparks multiple conversations that ramble on and on and on, until...
10:06 - KG, who is fully dressed because he had someone come to his locker and get his clothes already, approaches his locker.
Dead silence.
The man knows how to command a room. The minute he entered, all conversation stopped. His back is to the reporters as he gathers items from his locker. He eventually fills the silence with a little whistling tune. And after exchanging some barbs with the reporter who quietly wait at his back, he sits down on his stool and answers questions about the game plan, team defense, Cassell's appointment, Sprewell's snub, and the attitudes and roles of bench players. Ted Johnson cuts the questions short so KG can catch the flight to Atlanta, but KG as time to give a comical reaction to ESPN for some goofy golden bobblehead they present him.
He also takes time after everyone else leaves to answer a couple of questions from the guys from Duluth, seemingly because they came so far. I'm pretty sure they didn't get everything they wanted because they never did get to see Spree, but Cassell, Garnett and McHale all made special efforts to provide them footage, so I don't think their trip was wasted.
And that was it. I can't thank the Timberwolves enough for the experience, and Cory, I'm really bummed you couldn't be there too. I'd like to especially thank Paul Thompson and Ted Johnson who went way beyond the call of duty to make me feel comfortable and provided opportunities to see and do everything. It was a great time guys, and we hope to see you again soon.
by John Bonnes
One of the more frustrating aspects of running a web site like TwinsGeek or WolvesGeek is that while you know how many are reading, you don't actually know WHO is reading. After a while that becomes a fact that you cease to dwell on, but it's still pretty gratifying when an editor for a city paper makes a point of meeting you and tells you that he frequently stops by your site. So much of writing everyday is just plain blind faith that someone finds it worthwhile, and it's fun to find out that "someone" includes a person that evaluates writing for a living.
I imagine Cory was feeling something similar to that when he got a email from the Timberwolves on Friday. And the change in altitude between that high and the immediate low that followed might very well have made him black out. Because the reason the Wolves were calling was to invite him to visit them, review their new web site, and sit in press row to watch the Wolves take on the Orlando Magic last night.
And, tragically, Cory lives in Virginia. On the other hand, I've never been so happy that a genuinely good guy and sports geek lives 1000 miles away, because that left me as a representative of the Wolves Geek.
Wine me. Dine me. Make me feel like a big shot. I've got no problem with living in a little fantasy world for a night.
I've often wondered if I would like being a full time sports writer and have generally rejected it because it seems like the hours would make me miss my family. Oh, and because nobody has ever expressed any interest whatsoever in paying me for that job. Or even letting me do it for free. Hold it - was that out loud? The family - it's the family thing that my excuse. Yeah.
So last night was my chance for a test spin. The thing is, I don't know that much about basketball. In fact, Cory became the Wolves Geek when I started writing about it and he sent me an email that basically said I didn't know what I was talking about. Not that I'm going to let a little ignorance stop me - it never stops Phil Rogers.
So let's find out what's it like to have access to virtually anywhere except the court itself, to eat a free meal in the press room, and to sit in some of the best seats in the house with my laptop in hand. Needless to say, I took notes - lots of notes.
4:04 - I'm met at the door of the Wolves offices by Paul Thompson, the media relations director who is the brainchild of letting an independent sports geek have unadulterated access to his place of business. Giggle. Nice to meet you Paul.
4:10 - It's like Paul has done research on me, because he starts the behind-the-scenes tour with my two most anticipated highlights - the media room buffet and the seats where I'm going to watch the game. My seat is at a small press table set aside for scouts and bloggers five rows behind the Magic bench. It's unbelievable.
4:11 - I look for the candid camera. This has got to be a setup.
4:15 - Assured it is not a practical joke, I break down in tears. Paul wonders what the hell he's done.
4:30 - I meet the people responsible for the new Timberwolves.com, including Ted Johnson the Director of Communications for the Wolves. Then new site is going to be "flipped on" during the first time out break of tonight's game and view the new web site, and it looks like the implementation of their new system is going about as well as most. In other words, people are kind of frantic and scrambling a bit, but resigned to their fate.
They let me click around on the new site in what looks like their shred environment. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be "pretty". The site has all new logos and design, a more elegant navigation system and lots of lots of emphasis on pictures, video and the dance team?
Turns out that the 3rd most visited part of the old Timberwolves.com was the Dance Team area, so it's expanded. Plus, the Wolves apparently felt that way too many of us were happily married, because for each dance team member there is now a profile, a gallery of images and video of her doing cheers. The Voice or Reason is going to love watching Sherry shake her pom-poms. And I predict a run on high speed cable subscriptions in the near future.
Anyway, the whole thing is far slicker than it was in the past, and pretty impressive visually. Judging from the architecture and limitations that NBA web sites work under, I expect it was a fair amount of work both from a technical and political angle. Of course, there could be some improvements, like having a link to WolvesGeek.com prominently displayed, but we'll work on that in the future....
5:00 - The Twins Geek is turned loose on the Media Room buffet. Tonight's dinner includes salad, corn, ham, skin on mashed potatoes and tomato basil soup. The mashed potatoes are killer, and I wonder to myself if they mashed up some potatoes and added butter, or vice versa.
5:05 - I'm joined at the table by Eric and Eric - a couple of guys from a TV station in Duluth. They've driven down to get some footage of MV3 that they hope to use over and over on Wolves coverage over the next couple weeks. Unfortunately for them, they had trouble getting into the arena for the morning shoot around, so they're pretty much at the mercy of the post game locker room interviews, and the Wolves are flying out tonight for tomorrow's game versus Atlanta. We talk about UMD hockey and the mashed potatoes.
5:45 - I enter the arena through the gate passing by the kids looking for an autograph. They take great joy in reminding me that I'm nobody - like I need that. My own kids do a good enough job of that.
6:10 - I'm joined at the table by a couple of scouts for the Grizzlies (who the Wolves play on Sunday) and the Cavaliers (Friday night). We talk baseball for a while (Finally, something I know about!). Then I ask about a how they scout teams.
The Cavaliers scout scribbles down the movements of the key players on a little half court diagram for each Wolves possession. He also notes what the play was that Flip called, either verbally or by his hand signal. Its fascinating to look at those charts.
He also talks a little bit about a statistical movement going on in the NBA. At the head of it is a gentleman named Jordan Cohn, who is now working for the New York Knicks. By breaking down tape, he literally puts together splits like we're used to in baseball, like what percentage a player shoots while guarded or unguarded, or what percentage of time they drive to the left or right. Note to self: Interview Jordan Cohn.
7:00 - As group after group makes their way to center court for some presentation or another, one can't help but be struck by the controlled chaos of the whole event that is and NBA game. When I first arrived Paul walked me past a large meeting room full of people where they were going over the events of the night. It reminded me of the police room meetings in Hill Street Blues. At the time, I wondered how come they needed so many people to be involved for the events surrounding a single game. It seems pretty clear now. One more thing - let's be careful out there.
7:08 - The game starts with lots of intriguing matchups. First of all, the Magic's Trenton Hassel (key defender) is Keith Bogans, and he's matched up on Latrell Sprewell. The Wolves biggest advantage seems to be at point guard where Sam Cassell is being guarded by the oompa-loompa sized Tyronn Lue. He must have six inches on Lue.
Defensively, the Wolves are starting Trenton Hassel against Tracy McGrady, which surprises me a little since McGrady always seems to really struggle when Garnett has covered him. But the Magic added Juwan Howard in the off season, so Garnett has drawn Howard while Hassel has to cover the taller McGrady. I wonder if McGrady starts to turn it on if the Wolves will switch on him?
7:20 - KG makes another turnaround jump shot, this time from the baseline, to tie the game at 12. Does he ever miss those? Is it possible that he is shooting around 75% on the year? The statistics show he makes just 49% of his shots. Is that possible? Could they be counting passes or rebounds as shots? Honestly, watching him shoot this year is like watching someone play catch. You just never think he's going to miss.
7:25 - KG misses something like his next four shots. This is why I write about the Twins.
7:27 - During the first quarter break, I ask the scout next to me who is the 4th most valuable player on the Wolves. He thinks it's been Gary Trent early, but Oliver Miller lately. Huh. I thought I would hear Hassel's name. Huh.
Incidentally, McGrady's stats for the first quarter are about par for when he plays against the Wolves, meaning they're bad. He was just 2 for 7 shooting with 1 rebound and 1 turnover. But the Wolves struggled a bit early (again) and are down 24-26 at the end of the first half.
7:30 - Rumor has it that the Magic have been talking about trading Juwan Howard (possibly to the Wolves) because they feel like Drew Gooden can step into the starting power forward position. I mention this because in Gooden's first 10 seconds on the court, Garnett just drove past him unhindered for a monster dunk.
7:38 - Apparently the Croatian word for irritating European guard is Giricek.
7:39 - The Wolves have come up with an interesting in-game promotion. They choose three random fans and have them belt out their irritating scream into a microphone attached to the PA system.
7:45 - A referee calls Sam Cassell for kicking a ball and Cassell wants to have a chat about it. This trait of Cassell's is just one of many that had Timberwolves fans all ready to dislike him this year. The shoot first mentality, the talking to the officials, the desire to take big shots in the fourth quarter - Wolves fans expected to shake their heads when talking about Cassell.
Just the opposite has happened. Sam Cassell is at least the second most valuable Timberwolf, and I think you can make and argument based on his fourth quarter heroics that it's not a distant second. He seems to really trust his teammates, which never happened in Milwaukee, and any criticism of him regarding selfish play just isn't paying attention. Sam Cassell made the all-star game yesterday, and in my mind he should be starting at point guard for the Western Conference. He's that good. And I'm pleasantly amazed.
7:46 - The dance team performs to a Justin Timberlake song with mascot Crunch in the middle. At the end, one of them reaches across Crunch's shirt and rips off a panel over his right breast. Underneath, it says "KG4MVP". No piercing that I can see.
7:48 - The shivers from the most irritating shriek competition just left my spine.
7:51 - It's time for the Klements Meat the Timberwolves feature, this time profiling profiles Mark Madsen. These might be the greatest short bio features ever made. We learn that Mark Madsen likes chicken and they aren't afraid to show his dance moves. If the Timberwolves don't start placing these video on their new web site I may have to consider drastic action. They are the best.
7:55 - Oh good. My ears have stopped bleeding from the most irritating shriek competition.
7:58 - In the last 5 minutes McGrady realized he isn't being guarded by KG. He's gone off, making shots, crashing the boards, just generally finding his rhythm. He finishes the 2nd quarter with 16 points, and that's good enough for the Magic to finish the first quarter just down just 3 points at 51-48.
8:00 - The half time show is DOG RACING!!! The scout next to me is entranced....
"Look at them! They're smacking their f***ing head into that f***ing wall going full speed to get that f***ing ball!! They're REALLY smacking their heads."
I can't help but agree. I wonder if "Booker" is going to end up looking like Muhammad Ali in about five years.
8:10 - I dash to the media room for the half time cookies that are supposed to be there and find myself face to face with five layers of chocolate cake with hazelnut frosting. Looks like I'm going to be late for the second half.
8:12 - Speaking of eating, one of the scouts turns a little pale when he sees the man who ate Kirby Puckett in the crowd. He looks a little like someone just ran over his dog.
8:13 - The Magic starts the second half with Rod Strickland at point guard. I didn't even recognize him the first half without his limp. It's a good move by the magic because Cassell started posting up low against Lue about 10 seconds into the game. The Magic defense would come over to help, but Cassell knows how to take advantage of a double team.
8:15 - Kevin Garnett takes his first two free throws of the night. Has anyone else noticed that you never hear criticism about KG not driving the lane enough anymore? And it's not because he does - it's because suddenly he doesn't have to. What used to be cited as a critical fault in his game isn't even noticed anymore.
And while we're talking about debunking perceptions, it might be worthwhile to dig up the columns two playoff series ago about KG's "heart" and compare them to his portrayal now as a team leader. I can only see two ways you can look at this dichotomy. Either you believe that "heart" leads to wins, in which case, you need to believe that after 26 years of life, KG suddenly changed emotionally/spiritually and gained "heart" when Sprewell and Cassell joined the team. Or you can believe that wins lead to the perception of "heart", in which case Garnett is basically the same person, he just just gained some help when Sprewell and Cassell joined the team. I'll let you form your own conclusion.
8:25 - Oliver Miller makes his first appearance. Why so late? This smells like some disciplinarian statement. Did he eat a slab or ribs or something?
8:30 - Oliver Miller travels after grabbing a rebound and looks like he wants to crawl into a hole. John Thompson, who developed his fair share of centers at Georgetown, once wrote that the easiest way to get the most out of a center is to make sure he's accepted, encouraged and valued by the team. He believed that big men are generally very self-conscious about their size, and that the easiest way to turn a big guy into a great center is to work on his confidence by having the team make him feel welcome. Big O doesn't look very confident right now.
8:33 - It's midway through the third quarter, and it's hard to believe that the Magic is close. The Wolves are for the most part getting good looks - they just aren't knocking them down much. A lot of these are coming in the transition game where the Wolves are creating mismatches before the Magic can get get their zone defense set.
8:36 - Dance Team time, and I'm a bit confused. I've always had it on very good authority (The Voice of Reason) that the girls in the dance team weren't real. They sure don't look animatronic to me.
8:40 - The big run finally happens. The Wolves get a couple of transition baskets, but really turn it on when Fred Hoiberg's hits a couple of three pointers. At the end of the third quarter the Wolves are up by 12, 84-72. They haven't slowed down McGrady, who has 30 points, but there's too many other black holes in their lineup.
8:45 - The role player for the Magic step up to cut the lead to seven points, led by Tyronn Lue and Drew Gooden. The Wolves are struggling in part because the Magic is over committing to point guard Derrick Martin, and he's struggling to make them pay. Sure enough, Sam Cassell replaces Martin shortly into the fourth quarter.
8:47 - I notice for the first time that I'm directly across the court from "Coach". Funny, the two seats next to him are empty. Whoulda thunk?
8:49 - Things are getting chippy, and I think Gary Trent is about to take a seat. First he got hammered while putting up an offensive rebound but only made one shot. Then he received a technical foul for talking to the official on the other end. Then he was hammered again under the basket and he and Pachulia needed to be seperated. He looks like he's ready to kneecap someone.
8:50 - Garnett replaces Trent on the floor. Now Trent looks like he wants to kneecap Flip. And he probably would If Flip existed. Which he clearly doesn't in Trent's mind.
8:56 - The return of KG puts the Wolves on a mini-run and they're up 93-82. But McGrady isn't finished. He answers with a big shot while looking Latrell dead in the eyes. Flip decides it's time for Sprewell to rest as Hassel comes in.
9:01 - And sure enough McGrady's first shot is altered by Hassel's presence. Cory's point yesterday about whether Wally should start over Hassel is valid. Or at least it's fair to ask which one is on the floor versus a scoring guard. Hassell has single-handedly shut down Kobe Bryant and Alan Iverson in the last month, and one wonders if he shouldn't be considered the starter versus guards like Mike Bibby or Steve Nash. I'm not sure this team isn't better with him on the floor versus teams with guards that can hurt the Wolves.
9:05 - Rod Strickland limps off the court. A fan behind me yells "Retire!" at him and Rod gives him the single finger salute. There'll likely be a fine, but I'm not sure I can blame Rod for a hand gesture at that point. The man has wasted a lot of ability, is clearly hanging on, must be frustrated to be hurt so much, and was probably in significant pain as he left the court. The single finger is probably four or nine less fingers than he wanted to show the guy.
9:07 - Juwan Howard missed another shot, and the fourth quarter is turning into a rout. Howard will end up as the second leading scorer on the Magic, but when your competition is named DeClercq, Bogans and Lue, that's pretty faint praise. There have been a lot of rumors about trade talks for Howard between the Wolves and Magic, possible for Michael Olowokandi, but after tonight I just don't see it. Howard is a power forward, but he's not a classic bruiser or intimidator. He's a short, slightly more muscular, Kevin Garnett. I'd still rather have a healthy Olowokandi. Maybe Howard is hurt tonight or something, but he's done very little to impress me tonight.
9:09 - The Venga Bus is coming. And everybody's jumping.
9:11 - Garbage time officially begins with 2:11 left. . McGrady is already gone, and KG is pulled and given a standing ovation amidst chants of "MVP!" Hey, am I gonna get to see Doody?
9:14 - Hoorah! With 1:07 left, Derrick Martin intentionally grabs and fouls his guy to stop the clock so Ndudi Ebi can get into the game. The other players on the Wolves seems to genuinely like this kid. That gives me some hope, because from the outside it sure looks like wasted draft pick and roster spot for a team that needs to figure out a way to find room for some injured players.
9:16 - Ebi drives, is fouled, and looks like he hurt his ankle a bit. He makes his second free throw. By now the crowd is chanting "Ebi! Ebi!" which is probably the quickest way to get his teammates to hate him.
9:17 - The game ends in another Timberwolves victory.
9:25 - Flip Saunders walks into the room for his post game press conference – and half a dozen reporters follow him up to the podium and surround him. He gives a brief synopsis and answers about three questions. Frankly, there isn't that much to ask. It was a workmanlike game against a team with less talent and seemingly less desire. The Wolves traded points until late in the third quarter when they went on a spurt fueled by transition baskets against a slow developing zone defense and some sharp three point shooting. What exactly do you ask him?
9:27- Flip wraps up his chat with the media and then is drawn in to the back room by Sid Hartman, who apparently needs his own interview.
9:35 - Post game interviews in the Wolves locker room. The most surprising aspect for me is how hushed and polite everyone is. Cassell is obviously a hot commodity because of his all-star selection, and Mark Madsen has a long conversation with many reporters about how happy he is with the Wolves. Fred Hoiberg, Derrick Marting, Ervin Johnson, Derrick Martin and Trenton Hassell all have brief conversations. And then everyone gathers in the corner of the locker room near Malik Sealy's old locker, waiting.
10:01 - The media guys in the locker room do what guys who are waiting do - they talk about ridiculously mundane crap. Tonight's topic: Is the Timberwolves locker room the smallest home locker room in the NBA? The topic sparks multiple conversations that ramble on and on and on, until...
10:06 - KG, who is fully dressed because he had someone come to his locker and get his clothes already, approaches his locker.
Dead silence.
The man knows how to command a room. The minute he entered, all conversation stopped. His back is to the reporters as he gathers items from his locker. He eventually fills the silence with a little whistling tune. And after exchanging some barbs with the reporter who quietly wait at his back, he sits down on his stool and answers questions about the game plan, team defense, Cassell's appointment, Sprewell's snub, and the attitudes and roles of bench players. Ted Johnson cuts the questions short so KG can catch the flight to Atlanta, but KG as time to give a comical reaction to ESPN for some goofy golden bobblehead they present him.
He also takes time after everyone else leaves to answer a couple of questions from the guys from Duluth, seemingly because they came so far. I'm pretty sure they didn't get everything they wanted because they never did get to see Spree, but Cassell, Garnett and McHale all made special efforts to provide them footage, so I don't think their trip was wasted.
And that was it. I can't thank the Timberwolves enough for the experience, and Cory, I'm really bummed you couldn't be there too. I'd like to especially thank Paul Thompson and Ted Johnson who went way beyond the call of duty to make me feel comfortable and provided opportunities to see and do everything. It was a great time guys, and we hope to see you again soon.
Monday, February 02, 2004
Orlando Magic (15-33) at Minnesota Timberwolves (33-13)
Tuesday, February 3, 7pm CST
Local TV: Fox Sports North National TV: NBA League Pass
Satellite Radio: Sirius, Stream
MagicGeek
(For the take of a real MagicGeek, check out: http://www.orlandomagicfan.com/)
Tonight at Target Center, eleven of the twelve members of the Orlando Magic will be in over their head. The other is enough to scare even a squad sitting at twenty games over .500 with a three game division lead.
Tracy McGrady plays second fiddle to no one in the NBA, including to our own favorite high schooler without a playoff series win. His ability matches anyone in the league, his effort has persisted without pause throughout an embarrassing 2003-04 campaign, and his uncanny knack for wowing even the most seasoned NBA observer is unquestioned. Sound like anyone you know?
Unlike KG, he's got no one to fill out the rest of the orchestra.
Sure there are names you've heard before: Keith Bogans, Andrew DeClerq, Tyronn Lue. But you've heard those names because you watch a lot of college basketball.
With the notable exceptions of McGrady of Juwan Howard, a man Wolves' hot stovers have already forgotten, there is not a player on the Magic squad who would get significant minutes for the Wolves (unless you consider Lue would be a more capable backup PG than the Wolves have had this season). None besides the big two averages double digits in scoring, ten different players have made a start this season, and when you remove Howard, the team averages younger than 25 years of age.
Should the Wolves fear this squad? Probably not. Consider that the Wolves defeated Orlando by 29 at the TDWaterhouse Center in November, handing the Magic their second worst home loss ever and it seems a clear overmatch. But consider this: Tracy McGrady scored only four points in that game and snapped a 118 game double digit scoring streak.
McGrady really does have enough talent to keep you in a game and, if you're still in it with a few minutes on the clock, you're in it all the way. Sure the Wolves have cleaned up in close games since December and, when it comes right down to it, the Wolves have multiple options in crunch time and the Magic, well, sorry Juwan, don't. But McGrady has averaged 32.4 points per in the last nine games... should we be concerned?
Probably not. First of all, it's just one more challenge for a Trenton Hassell who relishes such matchups. Second, at the risk of being nostalgic, for those who recall that the Magic and Timberwolves entered this league together 15 years ago, this is finally the Timberwolves' time. You see, Orlando has won 107 more games over the last fourteen years (not to mention two more NBA draft lotteries!), but the Wolves are doing their best to get them all back this season. In the first meeting, the Wolves outrebounded the Magic by 16, the impotent Magic (except for 25-point scorer Lue) shot only 38.8 percent, and the Wolves' just outjumped, outran, and outclassed McGrady's bunch.
To put it all in perspective, the Wolves have 13 losses on the season and the Magic have 22... against the Eastern Conference. Unless the Wolves overlook the Magic in anticipation of the classic matchup against the Hawks on Wednesday, it should be a big lead early and a cruise control win.
95-80, Timberwolves. Enjoy the game and the new website.
Tuesday, February 3, 7pm CST
Local TV: Fox Sports North National TV: NBA League Pass
Satellite Radio: Sirius, Stream
MagicGeek
(For the take of a real MagicGeek, check out: http://www.orlandomagicfan.com/)
Tonight at Target Center, eleven of the twelve members of the Orlando Magic will be in over their head. The other is enough to scare even a squad sitting at twenty games over .500 with a three game division lead.
Tracy McGrady plays second fiddle to no one in the NBA, including to our own favorite high schooler without a playoff series win. His ability matches anyone in the league, his effort has persisted without pause throughout an embarrassing 2003-04 campaign, and his uncanny knack for wowing even the most seasoned NBA observer is unquestioned. Sound like anyone you know?
Unlike KG, he's got no one to fill out the rest of the orchestra.
Sure there are names you've heard before: Keith Bogans, Andrew DeClerq, Tyronn Lue. But you've heard those names because you watch a lot of college basketball.
With the notable exceptions of McGrady of Juwan Howard, a man Wolves' hot stovers have already forgotten, there is not a player on the Magic squad who would get significant minutes for the Wolves (unless you consider Lue would be a more capable backup PG than the Wolves have had this season). None besides the big two averages double digits in scoring, ten different players have made a start this season, and when you remove Howard, the team averages younger than 25 years of age.
Should the Wolves fear this squad? Probably not. Consider that the Wolves defeated Orlando by 29 at the TDWaterhouse Center in November, handing the Magic their second worst home loss ever and it seems a clear overmatch. But consider this: Tracy McGrady scored only four points in that game and snapped a 118 game double digit scoring streak.
McGrady really does have enough talent to keep you in a game and, if you're still in it with a few minutes on the clock, you're in it all the way. Sure the Wolves have cleaned up in close games since December and, when it comes right down to it, the Wolves have multiple options in crunch time and the Magic, well, sorry Juwan, don't. But McGrady has averaged 32.4 points per in the last nine games... should we be concerned?
Probably not. First of all, it's just one more challenge for a Trenton Hassell who relishes such matchups. Second, at the risk of being nostalgic, for those who recall that the Magic and Timberwolves entered this league together 15 years ago, this is finally the Timberwolves' time. You see, Orlando has won 107 more games over the last fourteen years (not to mention two more NBA draft lotteries!), but the Wolves are doing their best to get them all back this season. In the first meeting, the Wolves outrebounded the Magic by 16, the impotent Magic (except for 25-point scorer Lue) shot only 38.8 percent, and the Wolves' just outjumped, outran, and outclassed McGrady's bunch.
To put it all in perspective, the Wolves have 13 losses on the season and the Magic have 22... against the Eastern Conference. Unless the Wolves overlook the Magic in anticipation of the classic matchup against the Hawks on Wednesday, it should be a big lead early and a cruise control win.
95-80, Timberwolves. Enjoy the game and the new website.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Full Court Press
So many topics... so little time...
In a tribute to Sid, the man who national television saw hide his 30-year old sportcoat and 30-cent legal pad from the wrath of KG's resin, let's just fire away at a whole host of topics. Tomorrow, it's MagicGeek and Wednesday it's a courtside wrapup of the game (and new timberwolves.com site) from TwinsGeek John Bonnes, but for now it's "what's going through my head" as I enjoy the sweet nectar of 24-5 in the past two months.
** Don't quote me on this, as I've had neither time nor inclination to spend the time checking, but I believe the Wolves continue to establish highwater marks this season. While 30-10 (.750) in 2002 remains the best win percentage the Wolves have had after January 1, 33-13 (.716) is a franchise best for after February 1. As for the road record of 17-8 and corresponding .680 win percentage, that's completely new territory for this franchise. Finally, and this is the one that I am not sure of, I believe the Wolves' current 3.5 game lead is the biggest division lead ever after February 1 - maybe even after January 1.
** Ervin Johnson, when available, has been the primary option for this team at the center position since injuries have sidelined Olowokandi. He has been an important cog in the machine, but it's interesting to note the performances of Mark Madsen in each of the last two victories. His workmanlike effort on Shaq was impressive Friday (and yielded him a SportsCenter highlight when he beat the Daddy to the offensive glass). On Sunday, it was brawn when he closed the game out in style with a huge rebound in the final seconds and brains when a heads-up look to Cassell immediately after securing that board substituted Cassell's nearly 90 percent free throw shooting for his 55% upon the inevitable and immediate foul. Johnson has been a solid addition, but Madsen's presence at the end of close games makes me think he's earned the coach's respect -- and it appears well warranted.
** Is there a better man-up defensive guard than Trenton Hassell? In recent games, Wolves fans have seen the brilliant ball defending of Latrell Sprewell, whose trademark pocket-picks have spurred recent comebacks. But what Hassell doesn't give you in terms of turnovers he more than makes up for with hard-nosed, aggressive defense that literally stifles the opposition -- and often it's best scorer. Allen Iverson, the league's top scorer, defensed primarily by Hassell, went just two for ten in the second half, including a virtually uncontested layup in the closing seconds. While Hassell blocked two of those attempts and also picked off a telegraphed Iverson pass, most impressive of all was likely his ability to deny Iverson either the ball or quality looks at the basket. Iverson is second in the NBA with 27+ shot attempts per 48 minutes played. In this one, a game in which he played 45 minutes, he didn't take his 20th shot until that gimme layup with just seconds remaining. Many of those extra shots went to Eric Snow, who had a good game, but at crunch time the Wolves let Snow shoot and he didn't deliver. Hats off to Hassell (and Spree, especially on the Sixers' final look at the basket) for the same consistent defensive performance we see from him night in and night out.
** Wally who? It's sad, but Szczerbiak almost looked befuddled sitting behind the Wolves' bench on Sunday. This team is not short of offensive firepower, as "the Big Three" scored 20 or more each on Sunday for the 15th time this season (a feat that hasn't been achieved in over ten years). While Wally will give you another offensive option, Wolves fans are starting to worry if it will come at too high a defensive cost. I would not give Hassell's minutes to Wally at this stage. Sure Wally is a career 50.3% shooter -- but I'll take Trenton's 46% and the lockdown on defense that goes with it. Don't be surprised if Wally eats more minutes from Hoiberg than Hassell and, who knows, he might not even crack the starting lineup. He wouldn't if I were coaching.
** The Wolves have gotten it done in the five games heading into Sunday despite shooting a poor 41.6% in those games (against Detroit, Phoenix, Denver, Golden State, and the Lakers). Equally poor has been their 32.8% from three point range. Sunday's 49.4% from the field was a little better, especially when you consider it was 55% from inside the arc. Should those threes start fallin', watch out.
** In that same stretch, in fact all season, the Wolves have been rock solid from the line -- when they get there that is. 22 of 22 from the line on Sunday was an essential piece of the win, especially in contrast to three big misses in a row for the Sixers late in the game. There was no excuse for the Sixers, lacking any real post presence (Kenny Thomas doesn't count) shooting 17 more free throws -- and for that I fault inconsistent (or maybe consistently poor) officiating in the second half as much as the Wolves' lackluster effort in the first. Nonetheless, when the chips were down and big free throws were needed, the Wolves stepped up and knocked them down.
** On that note, is it 54 in a row for Sam Cassell? Micheal Williams, eat your heart out.
** Since I'm being coy, if Darrick Martin was available, why did we ever sign Anthony Goldwire? Martin's defensive effort and ability to draw defenses is far superior to Goldwire's. I know he's three inches shorter and he didn't play in the league last season, but he's also only six years removed from back to back double-digit scoring seasons, also averaged over a steal a game in those campaigns, and has been good enough to feature on both the Mavericks and Kings in recent years (can anyone say trade secrets??). At worst it's a wash (Goldwire played for the Spurs, after all), and in that situation, I'll take the guy with a full 176 more games of NBA experience. Just think back to Rod Strickland last April and you'll see why.
** Finally, the Wolves have a real chance to put some distance between themselves and the competition in the next three weeks and I hope they take advantage. On February 19, Sacramento comes to town but, before that they play seven opponents who are a combined 45 games below .500, five of whom (Orlando, Phoenix, Clippers, Cleveland and the formidable Memphis Grizzlies) are at home. Sprinkle in two very winnable road games against Utah (24-23) and Atlanta (15-33) and the Wolves have to realistically think they'll get at least five wins in the stretch. Compare that to the seven game,three week (gulp) road trip the Spurs start Monday night in Utah (including stops in Sac-Town, Houston, and Target Center) and the fact that the once steaming Mavericks have suddenly lost two straight and maybe, just maybe, the Wolves can really establish a beautiful fault line between first and everyone else in the NBA's Midwest Division.
I know one thing. It's gonna be fun to watch 'em try.
corycaouette@hotmail.com
So many topics... so little time...
In a tribute to Sid, the man who national television saw hide his 30-year old sportcoat and 30-cent legal pad from the wrath of KG's resin, let's just fire away at a whole host of topics. Tomorrow, it's MagicGeek and Wednesday it's a courtside wrapup of the game (and new timberwolves.com site) from TwinsGeek John Bonnes, but for now it's "what's going through my head" as I enjoy the sweet nectar of 24-5 in the past two months.
** Don't quote me on this, as I've had neither time nor inclination to spend the time checking, but I believe the Wolves continue to establish highwater marks this season. While 30-10 (.750) in 2002 remains the best win percentage the Wolves have had after January 1, 33-13 (.716) is a franchise best for after February 1. As for the road record of 17-8 and corresponding .680 win percentage, that's completely new territory for this franchise. Finally, and this is the one that I am not sure of, I believe the Wolves' current 3.5 game lead is the biggest division lead ever after February 1 - maybe even after January 1.
** Ervin Johnson, when available, has been the primary option for this team at the center position since injuries have sidelined Olowokandi. He has been an important cog in the machine, but it's interesting to note the performances of Mark Madsen in each of the last two victories. His workmanlike effort on Shaq was impressive Friday (and yielded him a SportsCenter highlight when he beat the Daddy to the offensive glass). On Sunday, it was brawn when he closed the game out in style with a huge rebound in the final seconds and brains when a heads-up look to Cassell immediately after securing that board substituted Cassell's nearly 90 percent free throw shooting for his 55% upon the inevitable and immediate foul. Johnson has been a solid addition, but Madsen's presence at the end of close games makes me think he's earned the coach's respect -- and it appears well warranted.
** Is there a better man-up defensive guard than Trenton Hassell? In recent games, Wolves fans have seen the brilliant ball defending of Latrell Sprewell, whose trademark pocket-picks have spurred recent comebacks. But what Hassell doesn't give you in terms of turnovers he more than makes up for with hard-nosed, aggressive defense that literally stifles the opposition -- and often it's best scorer. Allen Iverson, the league's top scorer, defensed primarily by Hassell, went just two for ten in the second half, including a virtually uncontested layup in the closing seconds. While Hassell blocked two of those attempts and also picked off a telegraphed Iverson pass, most impressive of all was likely his ability to deny Iverson either the ball or quality looks at the basket. Iverson is second in the NBA with 27+ shot attempts per 48 minutes played. In this one, a game in which he played 45 minutes, he didn't take his 20th shot until that gimme layup with just seconds remaining. Many of those extra shots went to Eric Snow, who had a good game, but at crunch time the Wolves let Snow shoot and he didn't deliver. Hats off to Hassell (and Spree, especially on the Sixers' final look at the basket) for the same consistent defensive performance we see from him night in and night out.
** Wally who? It's sad, but Szczerbiak almost looked befuddled sitting behind the Wolves' bench on Sunday. This team is not short of offensive firepower, as "the Big Three" scored 20 or more each on Sunday for the 15th time this season (a feat that hasn't been achieved in over ten years). While Wally will give you another offensive option, Wolves fans are starting to worry if it will come at too high a defensive cost. I would not give Hassell's minutes to Wally at this stage. Sure Wally is a career 50.3% shooter -- but I'll take Trenton's 46% and the lockdown on defense that goes with it. Don't be surprised if Wally eats more minutes from Hoiberg than Hassell and, who knows, he might not even crack the starting lineup. He wouldn't if I were coaching.
** The Wolves have gotten it done in the five games heading into Sunday despite shooting a poor 41.6% in those games (against Detroit, Phoenix, Denver, Golden State, and the Lakers). Equally poor has been their 32.8% from three point range. Sunday's 49.4% from the field was a little better, especially when you consider it was 55% from inside the arc. Should those threes start fallin', watch out.
** In that same stretch, in fact all season, the Wolves have been rock solid from the line -- when they get there that is. 22 of 22 from the line on Sunday was an essential piece of the win, especially in contrast to three big misses in a row for the Sixers late in the game. There was no excuse for the Sixers, lacking any real post presence (Kenny Thomas doesn't count) shooting 17 more free throws -- and for that I fault inconsistent (or maybe consistently poor) officiating in the second half as much as the Wolves' lackluster effort in the first. Nonetheless, when the chips were down and big free throws were needed, the Wolves stepped up and knocked them down.
** On that note, is it 54 in a row for Sam Cassell? Micheal Williams, eat your heart out.
** Since I'm being coy, if Darrick Martin was available, why did we ever sign Anthony Goldwire? Martin's defensive effort and ability to draw defenses is far superior to Goldwire's. I know he's three inches shorter and he didn't play in the league last season, but he's also only six years removed from back to back double-digit scoring seasons, also averaged over a steal a game in those campaigns, and has been good enough to feature on both the Mavericks and Kings in recent years (can anyone say trade secrets??). At worst it's a wash (Goldwire played for the Spurs, after all), and in that situation, I'll take the guy with a full 176 more games of NBA experience. Just think back to Rod Strickland last April and you'll see why.
** Finally, the Wolves have a real chance to put some distance between themselves and the competition in the next three weeks and I hope they take advantage. On February 19, Sacramento comes to town but, before that they play seven opponents who are a combined 45 games below .500, five of whom (Orlando, Phoenix, Clippers, Cleveland and the formidable Memphis Grizzlies) are at home. Sprinkle in two very winnable road games against Utah (24-23) and Atlanta (15-33) and the Wolves have to realistically think they'll get at least five wins in the stretch. Compare that to the seven game,three week (gulp) road trip the Spurs start Monday night in Utah (including stops in Sac-Town, Houston, and Target Center) and the fact that the once steaming Mavericks have suddenly lost two straight and maybe, just maybe, the Wolves can really establish a beautiful fault line between first and everyone else in the NBA's Midwest Division.
I know one thing. It's gonna be fun to watch 'em try.
corycaouette@hotmail.com
