|
Written by Mike
|
|
Thursday, 18 March 2010 12:42 |
|
While we are saddened with SG's departure, we are happy to announce the daily links will continue. Do check back in for a few other surprises in the next couple of days.
Jefferson upbeat, optimistic after 20 point loss vs. Utah last night.
Jerry Zgoda posts his game recap of last night's 11th straight loss.
It came one night after the Wolves surrendered 152 points and lost by 38 at Phoenix in a lost season when what's left to play for, according to their coach, is pride and dignity.
"Yeah, losing by 20 is a little better than losing by 40, I guess," center Al Jefferson said.
The Jazz -- now 44-24 after winning 25 of its last 32 games -- already has assured itself of its 20th winning season in the last 22
Kevin Love crabby, disgruntled, potentially hungry.
More from Jerry Z on his blog from last night's well fought contest in Utah.
"He's just got to continue to fight through with whatever frustration he's feeling now," Rambis said. "That's what guys do at this level. You've got to let go, move forward. Whatever is frustrating him, you let it go and continue to do the things that are his strengths.
"He does a good job of playing hard and does a great job of rebounding the basketball and he's such a team player. He just has to keep those concepts in his head."
Potential Future Wolf Evan Turner has a witty posse.
From Paul Banks at Not Qualified to Comment
Evan was candid about his disgust with the Illini trash-talking on Saturday. “They were just running their mouths too much, and that was it.They were hitting shots and front runners, and they were running them off entirely too much. That’s all I’m saying,” Turner re-iterated. Now I can’t verify this, but what I heard from three different reporters who were court-side for Illini-Ohio St, was Illini freshman D.J. Richardson supposedly said: “If I keep spanking you, they’re going to send my black ass to jail. At Turner. And Turner’s friend/former high school teammate Demetri McCamey added: “You’re going to prison,” at Richardson.
Great comeback.
Derrick Rose thinks John Calipari is lunatic, Wall great.
From Nick Friedell. ESPN
"Wow," he said after a pause. "My game to John Wall's ... I really don't know. I haven't watched him really enough to look at his game like that or say anything about his game. All I know is that he is a great player. And they're playing good basketball right now, so I can't say anything about him.
Rose does know that John Calipari, his former coach at Memphis, and Wall's current coach at Kentucky, is getting ready for March Madness in his own special way.
"Coach Cal always flips out," Rose said. "It could be tournament play, practice, whatever. He's always yelling, always going crazy. That's Cal. If he's not doing that you know something's wrong."
This just in: Draft players who are not tentative, confused on court, named O'Bryant.
From Jonathan Givony. New York Times NBA Blog
A player must have the capacity to process this often highly complex information, though, and with the amount of time between the three N.C.A.A. tournament weekends, we can begin to get a feel for how well prepared a player is mentally and tactically for the matchup at hand.
Is he nervous, tentative and confused about his team’s game plan? Is he able to adjust quickly to developments on the court? Will the ball get heavy in his hands late in games? Will he be capable of making good decisions?
When John Wall and Evan Turner bring the ball up the court late in games for their respective Kentucky and Ohio State teams, the eyes of every N.B.A. team will be on them, trying to assess how they respond to playing in the biggest game of their career. Will they want the ball and be willing to take responsibilities?
|
|
Written by SG
|
|
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 06:15 |
|
This is my last post at Twolves Blog. It's been a pleasure. I'm grateful to Bloguin, DeROK, College Wolf, and the Twolves Blog community for the opportunity to blog at this site. I know they'll continue to do good things here. After a week long break to recover from tonight's ridiculous loss (152 points???), I'll continue elsewhere.
Click here for the forum's thread for tonight's game at Utah
Game previews:
Star Tribune
Yep, the Jazz are revisiting painful early season outings against the pestering T-Wolves (how's that for a change?) who shocked Utah twice within a two-week period in December. Minnesota also gave the Jazz fits in the one game Utah actually won, a 107-103 squeaker in late December.
The Jazz, who are in the thick of things in the upper half of the Western Conference playoff positioning battle, are once again promising to not overlook a team that sits at the bottom of the standings.
"This season we're not going to take any more teams lightly," Jazz forward Carlos Boozer said. "We did a bad job of that earlier on in the season where we would get up for the good games or the tough matchups, but we wouldn't get up for the teams that we're supposed to beat, quote-unquote."
Al Jefferson blood alcohol content tested at .12 -- the state legal limit is 0.08 -- on the night he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving while impaired, State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said today.
Jefferson was pulled over for speeding on I-394 west of downtown Minneapolis a little after 1 a.m. on Feb. 28, less than four hours after the Wolves lost to Portland at Target Center that night.
Penn was pursued heavily last spring for the general manager position with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but turned down the job after the Blazers promoted him.
|
|
Written by Dave Kelsey
|
|
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 05:31 |
|
I'm pretty sure this is the most points the Wolves have ever given up in a NBA game. But I'm too lazy to look it up because I don't care. The Wolves don't care about being a legitimate (or even average) NBA organization, so why should I care about fact-checking on their behalf?
We are joke. I can't believe I only predicted the Wolves to lose by 25 points tonight. Fail.
See all the bloody details in the TWB Forum Game Thread. |
|
Written by SG
|
|
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 05:06 |
|
Wolves record: 14-54
Click here for video of Corey Brewer's dunk on Robin Lopez
The season is fast running out -- well, not nearly fast enough -- but school sure was in Tuesday night during the Timberwolves' astounding 152-114 loss at Phoenix.
Two-time league MVP Steve Nash and his locomotive Suns provided the painful instruction on a night when Nash had 11 of his 14 assists by halftime ... and the Suns already had scored 79 points by then.
That's right:
79 points in a half.
And 152 in a game.
That's the most ever in a first half and in a game against a Timberwolves team, and we're talking about those Isaiah Rider-Tellis Frank-Bob McCann Wolves teams.
Corey Brewer scored 21 for the Timberwolves, who set a franchise record for most points allowed in a game.
"Well, that's certainly what happens when you don't play any defense," Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis said.
From the opening moments, the Suns played at a dizzying pace that brought back memories of the early days of the Steve Nash era.
They also hit shots, including 15-for-31 from 3-point range.
The result: Their 152 points is an NBA season high for a team.
The Suns' 79-point first half was the NBA's highest scoring first half this season.
|
|
Written by SG
|
|
Tuesday, 16 March 2010 07:01 |
|
Click here for the forum's thread for tonight's game at Phoenix
Game previews:
So the team's president of basketball operations decided to take the unorthodox approach in his first season on the job. While most front-office types attend only a handful of road games during the course of the season, he has been a road regular.
The motive, Kahn said, was to join forces with first-year coach Kurt Rambis and his players for a season that all involved knew would test their wills.
"It would have been especially hard on (Rambis), coming from the Lakers (where he was previously an assistant), for me to say to him, 'Now it's time for you to hit the road Kurt. I hope you can deal with it,' and not be there in those difficult moments as well," Kahn said as he sat courtside at Arco Arena before Sunday night's game. "That felt a little selfish to me. I felt that yes, it's not only helpful in terms of being able to build a relationship, but it also demonstrates to him and the whole staff that they're not in this alone."
Afterward, Rambis mentioned Damien Wilkins, Ramon Sessions, Ryan Gomes and Wayne Ellington as players who fought and swung all night long.
"Those players, I felt really continued to try to do the right things," Rambis said.
Then he mentioned star center Al Jefferson.
"I thought Al had moments out there, to add him to that group," Rambis said referring to a 22-point, 10-rebound performance that was Jefferson's 31st double-double in 63 games this season. "But my expectation of him is a lot higher than everybody else's, too. He's got to step up and be a leader on this team.
"Even though he's still a relatively young player on this team, he's the one who can have the biggest impact on our team."
|
|
Written by College Wolf
|
|
Monday, 15 March 2010 17:52 |
|
It's that time of the year again. Mookie from A Stern Warning and editor of the Bloguin NBA collaborative blog NBA Baseline tabulated this edition's results. Make sure to check out the Mid March Edition HERE.
As usual, here are my totally awesome votes and commentary:
MVP:
1 - LeBron: The season is almost over, and I still can't think of a reason as to why he wouldn't be first.
2 - Kevin Durantula: He very well could lead the league in scoring, and really, he does it all. The Thunder might have home-court advantage in the playoffs, in the West. That's just sick.
3 - Dwight Howard: I don't feel like he's getting any love from anyone this year... media or bloggers. All he's done is lead the league in rebounding and blocks, while scoring almost 20 points per game on the team with the third best overall record. Chump.
4 - Carmelo: Any other year and he's a legit top MVP candidate with his stats. This year, bleh, he's just fourth. But he's still really good.
5 - Dirk: He's not doing it all in terms of Dallas winning so many games; that team is loaded. But Dirk is definitely the main cog in Big D.
6 - Zach Randolph: Who cares that Memphis isn't going to make the playoffs. Look at the season he is having! And he hasn't even gotten kicked out of a strip club yet.
7 - Kobe: Only because I have to put him on this list somewhere. Boo Kobe boooooo.
8 - D-Wade: He needs to be liberated from that sad-sack team. It's gotta be killing him inside each day.
9 - Chris Bosh: Toronto is coming on strong, and he's one of only THREE players averaging at least 20 points and 11 boards on the season.
10 - Chris Kaman: I love me some caveman.
RoY
1 - Tyreke Evans: The LeBron James of rookies. This dude is ill.
2 - Brandon Jennings: Yes, his shooting percentage has dropped off, but the Bucks are looking to make the playoffs, and Jennings is the gas that makes them go.
3 - Stephen Curry: Do not like him. Doesn't stop me from admitting he's really good.
4 - Ty Lawson: Doesn't have the best stats because he has decreased minutes compared to everyone else, but this dude is legit. P.S. The TWolves didn't need him.
5 - Darren Collison/Marcus Thornton: Super Hornets rookie studs!!! Tie vote! How can I decide between two rookie baller studs on the same team?
.
.
.
8,912 Jonny Flynn: God he sucks. |
|
Written by SG
|
|
Monday, 15 March 2010 06:41 |
|
The Kings passed on Rubio and chose Evans fourth overall in last summer's draft after Blake Griffin, Hasheem Thabeet and James Harden went 1-2-3 respectively.
"Size, length, speed, quickness, strength, those are all assets in this league," Rambis said. "He has all those."
The Wolves then selected Rubio with the fifth pick and Flynn with the sixth. One of the many reasons Flynn plays for the Wolves today is the way he competed against Evans that day last June.
"He was the one guy out there not intimidated by Tyreke physically," Wolves basketball boss David Kahn said.
Now that Target Corp. has put its name on the Twins baseball stadium, you wonder if it will continue with its name on Target Center, with a contract that ends in September of next year. The company pays the Timberwolves $1.25 million a year for the Target Center naming rights, according to Sports Business Daily.
Meanwhile, the Timber-wolves continue to lose and the management has surprised a lot of fans by offering half-price tickets for the 2011 season.
However, the fans are also reacting with purchases: Timberwolves President Chris Wright reports the franchise has sold 625 new season tickets since the Wolves announced the new policy. In fact, in the first two weeks of the new deal, the Wolves have sold more new lower-level tickets than all last year. There is also is a $10 lower-level ticket. The half-price deal is only for this month.
|
|
Written by College Wolf
|
|
Monday, 15 March 2010 05:58 |
|
The Wolves came back in the fourth quarter, against a Kings team that couldn't care less... and outscored them 39-20 to make the final score slightly less hideous somewhat respectable.
However, there are zero silver linings when you lose to the Kings after being down 30+ points during the course of the game.
We suck balls, and our team is a gigantic pile of steaming crap. That is not something you can sugarcoat... nor would I ever even attempt it.
We've averaged something like 27 wins the past 4 seasons. Well, we only need to go 13-2 the rest of this season to reach that incredibly lofty benchmark.
If, for some reason, you want to discuss this game or team, here's our forum thread for tonight.
If not, I don't blame you one iota.
Prepare for a winless March, hoorah! |
|
Written by SG
|
|
Monday, 15 March 2010 05:55 |
|
Wolves record: 14-53
Rookie Tyreke Evans had 29 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 114-100 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
Evans, who recorded his first career triple-double Wednesday against Toronto, scored 24 points in the opening half to help Sacramento assume a 64-49 lead. The Kings scored 15 unanswered points in the first five minutes of the third quarter, including 11 from streaky-shooting Donte Greene, to push the lead to 30.
Minnesota's big man Kevin Love, who has averaged 17 points and 14 rebounds in two games against the Kings this season, missed his second consecutive game on Sunday night with a sprained left foot. Darko Milicic did not play due to flu-like symptoms.
Minnesota has now lost nine consecutive games and 15 of its last 16. The current streak is the second longest drought of the season. The club dropped 15 straight games in November.
The Timberwolves shot just 39.6 percent in the first half, a number that would have been far worse had it not been for the 8-for-12 shooting of forward Al Jefferson who finished the half with 18 points.
|
|
Written by SG
|
|
Sunday, 14 March 2010 03:55 |
|
Click here for the forum's thread for tonight's game at Sacramento
Game previews:
Rambis started Hollins in 17 consecutive games before the suspension because, he said, he likes Hollins' energy and willingness and ability to run the floor from a big man's position.
Darko Milicic started in Hollins' absence rather than Kevin Love, who remained on the bench and who tonight is expected to miss his second game in a row because of a sprained foot.
"I'm a long player," Hollins said. "I'm just trying to play hard, whatever it takes. That's not to say I'm a dirty player or anything like that. I might catch a guy with an elbow. It's not intentional. I catch my teammates. It's not like anybody's singled out."
Kevin Love and Al Jefferson -- the team's two best players -- also questioned coach Kurt Rambis's strategies after a loss to the Denver Nuggets earlier this week.
Rambis says his team is just frustrated and needs a win.
The draft picks
• Timberwolves' pick: Likely will have the second-best chance to win the No. 1 pick or could pick as low as fifth.
• Charlotte's conditional pick: Top 12-protected. Likely will end up being the 15th or 16th pick if the Bobcats maintain one of the final East playoff spots.
• Utah's pick via Philadelphia: The 25th overall selection, if the season ended today.
Big Al came back from his two-game team suspension because of his drunken-driving arrest and delivered in his return a 36-point, 13-rebound game against the Mavericks, the first of two double-doubles in the week's three games. |
|
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 