Madsen is excited to return to action after long layoff
By Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune

Last update: November 21, 2007 – 8:55 PM

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Three weeks after he resumed practicing with his teammates and a day after he finally passed strength and range-of-motion tests on his healing shoulder, Timberwolves veteran Mark Madsen played in a game for the first time since an August jet-ski accident.
\"This is the culmination of a lot of hard work,\" Madsen said before Wednesday's game against Cleveland at Target Center. \"I'm certainly prepared for it. I'm just really excited to get back out there. I hope I can add something. We haven't had as many as wins as we'd like, but I've seen all these guys who have given their blood, sweat and tears and my goal is to join that, to add my contribution hopefully in a small way.\"

Wolves coach Randy Wittman began the game uncertain if Madsen would play \"a little or a lot.\" But Madsen was the first player off the bench less than eight minutes into the game. Wearing a wrap on his shoulder, he replaced Michael Doleac, a surprise starter at center for injured Theo Ratliff.

\"Instant energy,\" Wittman said about what he was seeking from Madsen. \"I know that's who Mark is.\"

Still waiting

Ratliff had an appointment with renown orthopedic surgeon James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday, but Wittman said he had no news on Ratliff's injured knee by game time.