Owner: Wolves Hoops Blog URL:http://wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:25:10 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Credentialed writer, covering the Minnesota Timberwolves behind the scenes. Also, working on book covering the 2006-07 season. Site statistics:Click here
Cautious Optimism 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Coming off the wonderful win against the San Antonio Spurs, fans must remember to stay level-headed about their team right now. With that win, the Wolves did indeed return to the 0.500 mark with their next three games at home against beatable teams. Yet, knowing the identity of this team thus far as inconsistent, could anyone be terribly surprised if the Wolves coughed up a couple of these toss up games?Philadelphia is obviously rebuilding with the departure of Allen Iverson. They have played well since the trade, but there is no excuse to lose this game. Minnesota needs to come out with a vengeance and step on the throats of the Sixers, never looking back.Will that happen? We'll see. For the time being, enjoy the good play recently from the Wolves and remember there have been some amazing moments already this year. It's somewhat fun to be a Timberwolves fan again. *********************************************Be sure to come back to Wolves Hoops Blog on Saturday for the write up o Read more:Optimism
Hopefully There Will Be No Letdown Friday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The Minnesota Timberwolves climbed back to the .500 mark last night with a win over the best road team in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs, in a thrilling overtime win. Although there are still many areas that need to be improved, Kevin Garnett and company showed something tonight that has not always been clear this season. They showed heart.More...http://www.spmsportsinc.com/published/spmarticles/hopefully-there-will-be-n.shtmlhttp://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Will This Stop the "KG Doesn't Show Up In the Clutch" Criticism? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 What a finish. Two straight overtime wins for the Timberwolves with Houston up next. Be sure to check back tomorrow for my SPM article on this game. http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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, Criticism
A Win is a Win, But There Are Still Issues to Address 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Minneapolis, MN - Lost in a wonderful, game-winning shot from Kevin Garnett last night is the fact that the Timberwolves should never have been in that situation. A win is a win, which is all that really matters, but Garnett bailed his team out with that shot on this night.More...http://www.spmsportsinc.com/published/spmarticles/a-win-is-a-win-but-there-.shtmlhttp://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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, Address
Check Back Tomorrow 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Be sure to come back to Wolves Hoops Blog tomorrow for my SPM article on the Wolves/Rockets game. Due to this being an afternoon game, the article may be up later tonight, so why not check back a few times? LOL.Be sure to have fun watching your Minnesota Timberwolves, hopefully, claim sole possession of second place in the division.http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Spurs at Wolves 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Be sure to check back tomorrow for my write-up on tonight's game against the Spurs
.Can the Wolves
bring the momentum from the second half against the Bobcats home with them and take the Spurs down? We'll find out in a few short hours.http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Congrats to Randy Foye 1970-01-01 00:59:59 For being named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in December. Per NBA.com, here's his month..."Foye, the seventh overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, led the Western Conference rookies in scoring (9.6 ppg), assists (2.3 apg) and free throw accuracy (90.9 percent) in December, while hitting 47.6 percent from the field. He reached double figures in scoring for every game in the month, including the Dec. 29 win over Seattle, where he collected 12 points, a season high seven rebounds and five assists. Foye ranks third among Western Conference rookies in scoring (8.0 ppg), third in steals (.79 stpg) and fifth in assists (1.7 apg). "Hopefully, the first of many awards.Foye has impressed me from Day One with his maturity, willingness to learn and with his kindness. It is great to see a good kid like "The Young Fella," as Coach Casey calls him, be rewarded for his hard work. http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Happy New Year, Wolves...Need a Win in Charlotte 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Although the Timberwolves did catch a few bad breaks last night against the New Jersey Nets, a loss is a loss. The Wolves
are now two games below 0.500, Kevin Garnett is in a shooting slump, Mike James and Ricky Davis are consistently inconsistent and Randy Foye is still learning. Of course, a decent amount of the team's lackluster play is on the shoulders of Coach Dwane Casey, but he has shown growth in the past week. Casey has now developed enough confidence to pull struggling Mike James and insert Foye at a much quicker rate recently. Showing he would much rather take his lumps with a developing rookie over a struggling veteran can be a risky move, but in this case is the correct one. The problem right now is that he still will not bench Ricky Davis when he is not playing defense. In my article for SPM Sports on Marko Jaric, I spoke with Coach on his seemingly short leash on Marko Jaric. Jaric stated that he was not happy with his role and has more to give this team, if only given Read more:Happy
, Charlotte
, Happy New Year
Congrats to Rashad McCants 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Along with Sean May and Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants had his jersey honored for North Carolina this weekend. How amazing it must be for him to see his name hanging in the rafters with Michael Jordan, James Worthy, etc. http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Wolves @ Bobcats: First Half Report 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Although it was nice to see the Timberwolves stick together and find a way to come back from a 20 point deficit to cut it to 8 at halftime, they should never have been in that situation. First
of all, they are playing the Charlotte Bobcats
. They are respectable, but Minnesota should dominate whether at home or away against this team.Even though this situation should never have come to be, we can now see in a few minutes what kind of heart this team really has. Will Coach Casey actually make some adjustments? Will Mike James and Ricky Davis continue to give KG some help? Will Mark Blount show up in the second half after another great first half?We'll see in a few minutes…http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Something to Build On 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Stats usually do not do a game like this justice. This was one of the most exciting games of the season for the Timberwolves by far and they may just have found a few things to take with them into their matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday…and throughout the remainder of the season.Yes, this game was against the Bobcats, but Minnesota showed heart and desire in the second half that has only been seen in spurts this far into the season. Coach Casey continued his growth as a coach by benching Mike James for Randy Foye in the crucial moments, Ricky Davis played a great all-around game, Mark Blount showed up in the second half, Mike James was supportive of Foye while he was relegated to warming the bench and Kevin Garnett showed the emotion needed to lead this team.How great was it to see Garnett's fight in the second half? How great was it to see the smile on his face after the game, high-fiving all of his teammates?Obviously, the key thing here is that the Wolves need to f Read more:Build
Sunday's game summary 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Wolves pull off a win in the 3rd straight game that has gone to overtime. 4th consecutive win for the wolves, leaving them in second place in the northwest conference standings.TWolves 103Rockets 99blog by Stephen coming shortly......http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Rockets at Wolves Preview 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The Wolves
host the Houston Rockets
tomorrow afternoon in what should be another Minnesota win. The problem is that although Kevin Garnett and company are on a three game winning streak and are coming off an emotional overtime game winning shot from the Big Ticket, fans still cannot fully trust their team to win these games that they should. Houston is coming to town without Yao Ming, which must be a wonderful sight for Mark Blount. Without Yao, the focus of the defense obviously turns to Tracy McGrady, meaning Trenton Hassell and Marko Jaric will have a big chore on their hands. McGrady is coming off a 44 point performance against the strong defense of the Utah Jazz, bringing Houston's record to 21-12. The key to a win will obviously be this matchup of Hassell and Jaric vs. McGrady and with the way they are playing recently, McGrady should have to work on the defensive end himself. Mark Blount, who is playing arguably the best basketball of his career recently, should continue his g Read more:Preview
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. 1970-01-01 00:59:59 From Rick Alonzo of Pioneer Press..."Timberwolves forward Eddie
Griffin was suspended five games without pay by the NBA on Friday for violating conditions of the NBA's anit-drug program. It was latest in a string of incidents that could put his tumultuous career with the team in jeopardy.Griffin's suspension begins with tonight's Wolves game at Memphis. He did not make the trip from the Twin Cities with the team. Griffin had not appeared in the past 13 consecutive games as he had fallen out of the rotation.A Wolves spokesman declined to comment immediately. The team will issue a statement later today."This made me think back to an article I wrote when I still was with Hoopsworld.com. Check it out. From HOOPSWORLD.comEddie Griffin Has Worn Out His Welcome In MinnesotaBy Stephen LitelJun 30, 2006, 09:54Eddie Griffin needs to no longer be a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves...period.Minnesota was one of the few teams who were willing to give Griffin a second chance after some troubl
Wolves Face Grizzlies In Memphis Tonight 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The Wolves
are in Memphis
tonight to attempt to start another winning streak. The Grizzlies, who are 9-27, are trying to get back on track now that Pau Gasol has returned. Although this Memphis team has a bad record, they are playing much better as of late and the Wolves should not overlook this team.Minnesota is coming off a loss Wednesday against the Clippers and one of the keys to this season will be how they can bounce back from a loss like that, with Garnett missing the potential game-winning shot, Randy Foye and Mike James both playing badly and Coach Casey's team not having much fire to end their home stand. They need to be careful because with a loss, Minnesota will drop back to the 0.500 mark.Against a team such as Memphis, the Wolves need to come out with an edge to them and make a strong push immediately. If Minnesota can get a decent early lead, they can try to sneak out of Memphis with a relatively easy win before returning home tomorrow to play Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Read more:Tonight
The Halftime Report-Wolves at Grizzlies 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This was the start that the Wolves
needed in Memphis. Scoring 36 points in the first quarter with both their offensive efficiency and their defensive hustle, Minnesota has shown that edge that is needed every game.Due to the comfortable lead, Coach Casey will now be able to sit his starters for good chunks of time. This is beneficial because the Wolves are playing the first game of a back to back, returning to the Twin Cities tonight in order to host the New Jersey Nets tomorrow.Although the flow has not been as great in the second quarter as it was to start the game, this is the time for players such as Mike James and Craig Smith to get themselves back on track. James, who has struggled nearly the entire season, has lost a majority of his playing time and his confidence, making this a great game to put in some hard work, learn where to get his shots in the offense, which shots are most productive from him in this offense and to be able to grow as an integral member of the Wolves.Smith Read more:Halftime
Wolves Emotion Shows With Win In Memphis 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Understandably, the Wolves
offense runs with much more ease when Kevin Garnett is on the floor, so one of the tough tasks for Coach Casey is to figure out when to get him rest. Coach should implement the Michael Jordan substitution for Garnett as that would most likely be the most effective use of the Big Ticket throughout the game. The Michael Jordan substitution was to sit with two or three minutes left in both the first and third quarters, utilizing those extra few minutes between quarters. Re-entering the game with roughly 8 ½ to 9 minutes left in the second and fourth quarters, Jordan was able to finish the games strong yet. He was also back in the game before an opponent's run got out of hand. It is also great to see Justin Reed getting minutes, although he is only on the court that much due to the injury to Marko Jaric. How about the rebound Reed grabbed while sitting on the floor? Great hustle. Writers are always quick to criticize, but slow to praise when a player, coach or Read more:Memphis
, Emotion
Nets Three-Headed Monster in Minnesota 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The New Jersey Nets three-headed monster of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson will bring their high-flying act to the Target Center Saturday night. In a horrendous Atlantic Division, the Nets are in second place with a 16-19 record. Minnesota
, coming off a win in Memphis, will be playing the second half of a back to back. Losing their last home game by one point, with Kevin Garnett missing the potential game-winning shot, should have the Wolves motivated both to start another winning streak as well as protecting home court. Due to the length of Carter, Jefferson and even Kidd, this will be a game where Marko Jaric could be quite valuable to the Wolves. Leaving the Clipper game with a thumb injury and not playing against the Grizzlies, Jaric's status against the Nets is in question. Hopefully, he will be able to suit up. Another key will be transition defense. Jason Kidd is among the all-time best point guards at running the fast break to perfection and his job is easy on Read more:Three
, Monster
Guard Play Is A Problem 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Minneapolis, MN - The Timberwolves' luck ran out last night against the Los Angeles Clippers. After a furious second half comeback win against the Charlotte Bobcats (a situation Minnesota should have never found themselves in), the Wolves had proceeded to win three straight overtime games at home against the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets.What is that old saying? "If you play with fire, you're going to get burned" And they got burned against the Clippers.More...http://www.spmsportsinc.com/published/spmarticles/guard-play-is-a-problem.shtmlhttp://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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, Problem
Wolves Lose to Clippers. 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Tough loss for the Wolves
. SPM article up on Wolves Hoops Blog as soon as published.http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Three Straight Overtime Wins 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Mike James had his best assist numbers as a Minnesota Timberwolf tonight, sparking the team to a nice win. Come back tomorrow for my SPM article. http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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, Straight
Give Mike James Credit 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Minneapolis, MN - The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets, who were without perennial All-Star Yao Ming, to bring their record to 17-15 in yet another overtime game. That now makes three overtime wins in a row for the Timberwolves at home, showing that although certain players may have bad nights here and there, this team is able to buckle down and find a way to win the game, which is all that really matters.More...http://www.spmsportsinc.com/published/spmarticles/give-mike-james-credit-fo.shtml**I would also like to publicly thank my wife, Angie, for all the work she has put into Wolves Hoops Blog. She is responsible for the layout of this site and has done a fantastic job.**http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Congrats to the Big Ticket 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Kevin Garnett has won Western Conference Player of the Week. Per NBA.com...Garnett averaged 27.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 blocks in helping Minnesota to a 4-0 week. He registered a season-high 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the Timberwolves' 102-96 win at Charlotte on Jan. 1, and posted 27 points, 17 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in a 103-101 overtime win over San Antonio on Jan. 3. What a great week. http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Clippers @ Wolves Preview 1970-01-01 00:59:59 For the final time this season (unless the teams would meet in the playoffs), Sam Cassell returns to the Twin Cities as a member of the LA Clippers
. In the last meeting, Cassell was leading his team's charge, scoring 28 points, loving the fact of taking it to his former team. That was before Randy Foye led the Timberwolves back in the fourth quarter. This was a great win that gave the Wolves
the knowledge of knowing that they are never truly out of a game as long as they continue to work, play by play, and buckle down on defense. The Wolves are surging right now, coming off three straight overtime wins, and are looking to go 4-0 in their four game homestand. There are many interesting matchups in this game with Kevin Garnett and Mark Blount battling down low with Elton Brand and Chris Kaman, as well as Randy Foye and Mike James matchup with the aforementioned Cassell. Although the Clippers are disappointing this season with their rough start, a win for the Timberwolves should be anot Read more:Preview
Wolves Face Pistons in Early Game 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Due to the time of this game, I will not be able to provide the Halftime Report as I will be at work. I will, however, provide a recap of this game and analysis after watching the video. Please come back to Wolves
Hoops Blog tomorrow night.The Timberwolves head to Detroit to play the Pistons
in an early game tomorrow due to Martin Luther King, Jr day. The Pistons, who are still one of the elites of the Eastern Conference, are beatable this season with a 10-6 record at home coming in. Minnesota is coming off a win against the New Jersey Nets and have been on a decent roll in 2007, losing only one game in the new year. However, the Wolves are also dealing with a lot of off-court distractions at the moment, so hopefully they will be able to focus, grind it out and come away with a win in Detroit. Forward Eddie Griffin has been suspended and along with that are reports that his career with the Wolves may be at its end. Reports also surfaced in the past few days that Marko Jaric has request Read more:Early
Wolves Defeat Pistons in Detroit to Continue Their Winning Ways 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In one of the highlights of the season, the Timberwolves outlasted the DetroitPistons
at the Palace of Auburn Hills in overtime. In a see-saw battle, the Wolves
came out on top, showing that they are capable of grinding out a victory against one of the best teams in the league. Grinding it out. That phrase has been uttered by every player on the roster, along with the coaching staff, countless times already this season. As has been reported ad nauseum, the Wolves won three consecutive overtime games, followed by a one point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. These wins may not be pretty, but what counts in the end? A notch in the victory column. With the win in Detroit, the Timberwolves record now stands at 20-16, which is only three games behind the division leading Utah Jazz. On opening night, Mark Madsen summed up the season before it even started…"You know, for us, if we get caught up in what the media is saying and the pundits and the so-called "experts,' he stopped, sudde Read more:Continue
, Winning
A Should Win For the Wolves 1970-01-01 00:59:59 After a fantastic overtime thriller against the Detroit Pistons, the Wolves
now return home with their 20-16 record. In town Wednesday night are the Atlanta Hawks, who have a 5-13 road record and 12-23 overall. In what on the surface looks to be another Timberwolves win, this Minnesota team has not yet reached the point where they can overlook anyone. Although the Hawks have quite a lot of young talent in Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith and Josh Childress along with some solid veterans in Lorenzen Wright and the underrated Zaza Pachulia, this team still has not found itself. There are some glaring holes in their attack, mainly in their lack of point guards, which makes this a good game at the right time for the Wolves. Through the Wolves recent run of wins, the still rough spot is in the point guard play. Although Randy Foye eventually saved the day against the Pistons, he looked like a rookie throughout the first three quarters. Foye continues to develop and show promise, yet
Check Back Tomorrow... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 ...for my SPM article on the Wolves/Hawks.http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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No Excuse For This One 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The Timberwolves owe their fans more than this.Come back to Wolves Hoops Blog Thursday morning for my SPM article on this embarrassment. http://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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Wolves Loss Embarrasssing, But Not Unexpected 1970-01-01 00:59:59 During Minnesota's recent streak of solid play the Wolves
have been preaching two mottos. "Consistency," and "Grind it out" They have been grinding it out well, winning a majority of their games since January 1st, shown by their four overtime wins recently. More importantly, they have been giving maximum effort and playing with consistency. To a certain degree, fans will forgive a loss as long as the team gives their all, giving them a chance at a victory.The Wolves did not give their fans that effort last night.More...http://www.spmsportsinc.com/published/spmfeatures/embarrassing-but-not-unex.shtmlhttp://rss.wolveshoopsblog.blogspot.com/rss/nba/minnesota-timberwolves.xml
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