A View From Section 116
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We visited section 116 during Sunday’s Wolves win over the Nets to catch up with longtime season ticket holders Jim and Peggy Olson of Prior Lake to discuss the excitement surrounding the Wolves’ recent winning ways.
Q: On the improved play:
Jim: I would say that the last four games, almost 16 (quarters), it started in Denver, they have been playing up to their ability and experience level. We beat Phoenix in December so we’ve beat the best team in the West twice already. We could have easily beat Boston, they are the best team in the East.
Peggy: (The Wolves’) confidence is really high now, and you can just see it in the way that they are carrying themselves. They are doing a great job. They may not win every game, but they are playing to their ability, and just doing great. This is a season for learning, and they are doing that and playing hard.
Q: On Ryan Gomes being a part of long-term plans:
Jim: I definitely see Ryan for sure (being a part of the Wolves’ future). He doesn’t get shaken up about anything. He’s just a solid performer. He’s played more aggressive in the last three, four weeks, going to the basket and being dependable for three throws. And plus, (the Wolves) have an eight, nine man rotation that seems more established over the last month. When Randy (Foye) and Theo (Ratliff) come back we’ll see if that changes.
Peggy: I see leadership coming out too, besides the playing on the floor.
Q: On the excitement for Randy Foye’s return:
Jim: Real excited, especially for the fourth quarter. I think he has the confidence that he can finish any fourth quarter. We saw the game last year against the Clippers, I think it was, where he took over the fourth quarter. As long as his knee holds up and doesn’t get re-injured, he’ll be a great player.
Q: On Al Jefferson surpassing expectations:
Jim: I like (Jefferson) for the team more than Kevin (Garnett) because he’s a different type of player that we didn’t have before. Kevin was great for his style, but Al goes inside more and is more of an inside player, which I think is what this team needs. If Theo can get back then Al can play in his more normal position, as power forward, so that could add to the game more and put less of a burden on Al. It can also help us with depth, because then Ryan can play the small forward position.
Q: On coming out to Target Center:
Jim: I think the biggest problem is that (Minneapolis) just doesn’t seem to be an NBA city yet for some reason. I wish the fans would do more, maybe stand up until they make the first score, or something. You don’t see enough fan input into the games, but maybe it’s just because we’re such big fans, I don’t know.
Peggy: I really wish more people would come out to the games. It’s such a great experience, and these guys need us.
Q: On the improved play:
Jim: I would say that the last four games, almost 16 (quarters), it started in Denver, they have been playing up to their ability and experience level. We beat Phoenix in December so we’ve beat the best team in the West twice already. We could have easily beat Boston, they are the best team in the East.
Peggy: (The Wolves’) confidence is really high now, and you can just see it in the way that they are carrying themselves. They are doing a great job. They may not win every game, but they are playing to their ability, and just doing great. This is a season for learning, and they are doing that and playing hard.
Q: On Ryan Gomes being a part of long-term plans:
Jim: I definitely see Ryan for sure (being a part of the Wolves’ future). He doesn’t get shaken up about anything. He’s just a solid performer. He’s played more aggressive in the last three, four weeks, going to the basket and being dependable for three throws. And plus, (the Wolves) have an eight, nine man rotation that seems more established over the last month. When Randy (Foye) and Theo (Ratliff) come back we’ll see if that changes.
Peggy: I see leadership coming out too, besides the playing on the floor.
Q: On the excitement for Randy Foye’s return:
Jim: Real excited, especially for the fourth quarter. I think he has the confidence that he can finish any fourth quarter. We saw the game last year against the Clippers, I think it was, where he took over the fourth quarter. As long as his knee holds up and doesn’t get re-injured, he’ll be a great player.
Q: On Al Jefferson surpassing expectations:
Jim: I like (Jefferson) for the team more than Kevin (Garnett) because he’s a different type of player that we didn’t have before. Kevin was great for his style, but Al goes inside more and is more of an inside player, which I think is what this team needs. If Theo can get back then Al can play in his more normal position, as power forward, so that could add to the game more and put less of a burden on Al. It can also help us with depth, because then Ryan can play the small forward position.
Q: On coming out to Target Center:
Jim: I think the biggest problem is that (Minneapolis) just doesn’t seem to be an NBA city yet for some reason. I wish the fans would do more, maybe stand up until they make the first score, or something. You don’t see enough fan input into the games, but maybe it’s just because we’re such big fans, I don’t know.
Peggy: I really wish more people would come out to the games. It’s such a great experience, and these guys need us.
