Thursday, December 10 2009
For the Timberwolves, it has been a pretty good week. Wins had a great deal to do with it. Beating the Nuggets in Denver to snap that nasty losing streak was sweet but how about handling the Utah Jazz a loss at home to end that pesky home losing skid too. Yes, winning was nice to see but there is a bigger picture that has T'Wolves fans a buzz. It's hope.
You know, a little hope goes a long way. I was at a holiday party over the weekend and the Wolves were getting their fair share of the conversation. Many of those celebrating were mixing their cocktails with cross-over dribbles, cheese-trays with Ryan Gomes "treys". There is still a "wait and see" attitude among many of the fans, many of whom were long time hoopaholics and even season-ticket holders in the past. But the one thing that was clear in EVERY conversation I had (my Tar Heel wife in tow), fans are eager to cheer on this young group of guys. Sure, every one who was sharing in the chit-chat had their idea of a "sign and trade" that turn into a title, a block-buster mega draft pick trade that would turn the tide. Moves right now won't be the key to consistency. It'll be growth in the new system. Continued comfort in the Rambis triangle and just plain confidence. And it's true, you don't see much of the young guns on TV because it' a team that's not all that fashionable right now. The purple have cornered most of the conversation and not many can argue with that. But wins will bring the bandwagon and news cameras right back. What's refreshing to see is the "hope" that fans are willing to share regarding this year's squad. I sense that our patience in is place. We're delighted to see a concerted effort to bring back winning basketball and there is "hope".
Hey, it ain't easy to be patient and you gotta' pack plenty of that attribute to be a Wolves fan. This young team will drive you crazy and in a matter of seconds, show signs of life that you wouldn't expect they had in 'em. Case in point, Wednesday night's home game against the Hornets. A 15-2 run by New Orleans was all that was needed to erase a solid double-digit lead built by the Wolves heading into halftime. The culprits in that disastrous third period were a few bad passes, offensive fouls, impatience, some sloppy and loose "d" that allowed long shot artist Peja to drill a few three-balls from the side pocket. Another quarter that had me headed for heartburn. But give it to the Wolves, they scrapped in the fourth and took this one to the final shot. Take from this one, the education of young rookie Jonny Flynn continues as Chris Paul hits the game winner off that give-and-go with 2 seconds left.I said it last week and I stand by it, the Wolves don't take winning for granted, but they are certainly still looking for that "killer" instinct to put teams away once and for all. There are plenty of folks who'll tell you that's just the NBA....you know those who say it, that an NBA game doesn't start until the final 2-minutes. Well, now that the 15 game skid is toast, it's time for Team Rambis to glean a bit of that Championship luster off the head coach and start putting some of these games away. Toronto was theirs for the taking. Memphis as well. NO doubt about it, N.O. was a win that got away. They'll get there. It's very encouraging to have Kevin Love back in the line-up. He's a difference maker for sure as the Wolves are showing that those added contributions are making the difference between wins and losses.
Simons Says give and take:
Great to continue getting your e-mails and tweets regarding the Wolves. Winning has brightened up your outlook as well. And as always, you take the time and drop me a line, we'll get you (albeit edited) into SimonsSays:
From Wolves fan Mr. Lueck/outstate MN:
..."that game tonight (against Utah)? We've turned a corner, I'm pretty sure. Gomes is looking like a seasoned veteran, and it's gonna help a lot to have K-Love back. We just look so much better now. I remember about a week ago looking at the upcoming schedule, and thinking about which game we have a shot at winning. I know that I didn't think Denver and Utah would be wins. Let's make December 2009 like January 2009 was for the T-Wolves. We came into this year with a bang, we might as well end the year with a bang."
I couldn't agree more. I'm not sure about a complete turn-of-the-corner but these wins remind the Wolves that close losses are avoidable. It's getting better, that's for sure.
Don't forget, in this season of "giving"....
Kevin Love's winter coat drive is in full gear and now that cold has arrived for us, it's time for all of us to help those less fortunate. Please don't forget while you are moving through your busy holiday season to take an extra few moments and pull a few of the coats out and put 'em in a bag for Love. The Kevin Love Coat Drive will accept any new or gently used coat and check this Web site out for the six metro-area drop-off locations, including the Target Center Box Office through December 16. A shout out to Comcast and The Salvation Army as well. And by the way, this is suppose to be interactive. So if you have any thoughts, please drop me a note.
If you like good shows on TV, it’s time to catch SPORTS FINAL before you call it a night. Sports Final is now at 10pm on Sunday night’s and it’s moved to a new home on the CW/Twin Cities-23. Sports Final will bring you inside your favorite teams, including the T’Wolves, with exclusive interviews, team notes and as always, offering you the best guests and a full interactive website. I’m back with longtime colleague “Coach” Dean Dalton and we couldn’t be more excited about the Vikings strong showing this season and all the possibilities surrounding the Wolves in this new NBA season. Sports Final is just moved and launches on the CW-Twin Cities-23 Sunday November 8th at 10pm! We hope you tune in and let us know what you think.
