Rod Simons, Contributor
Torn. Torn, I was.
You might say that I was torn back around the time that the Wolves were showcased among the NBA’s big teams. Remember during the holidays and the NBA’s popular Christmas TV schedule in which they tangled with OKC. The Wolves, nearly injury free, were beginning to “get it.”
I was torn back then because I was hoping they’d have turned the corner. Win and win two of every three. Maybe four of five night in and night out. I was confident they would but when losses mount, as they were then with nine wins in 28 games, doubt did creep in. So, in my heart of hoop-hearts, I simply wasn’t sure how I was feeling. I was secretly a “Doubting Thomas.”
Now I know. Some two months later, the season in a full court dash, the Wolves will show us. Injuries have cost the Wolves one of the talented young starters but they are not standing pat. This team is beginning to turn the corner. No more doubting. I’m fine and doubling down on hope and confidence.
That is why I truly believe this team will get in to the playoffs. Likely that last Western Conference playoff spot. And the Wolves will have earned it. Just check the schedule for proof.
From Feb. 25 through the end of the regular season on April 12, the Wolves will play 16 of their final 24-games on the road. Twelve of those look to be playoff contenders and they’ll play back to back nights five times. They say adversity defines character?! It will also determine playoff positioning.
Fans are thinking it too. Here���s a note from SimonsSays reader Phil just before that recent losing skid: The Wolves are now 7-3 in the last 10 games. With 35 to go, how many runs like that you think we need to finally capture that playoff spot (which will disrupt events in MN and turn "normalcy" on its head I have no doubt)? My take: With just about eight games left before the All-Star break, I personally feel they've got to win 70 percent of those games. It always helps to go into the break with momentum. That kind of streak will put the Wolves closer to .500, thus reducing the gap with Denver. After the break… you can say playoffs, so momentum like that tends to carry over, just as a confidence thing, which this team seem to be gaining with every 48 mins played.
Phil thanks for checking in and I’m with you. I insist that this up and down play is hard on the Wolves fan. That fan must weed through the negative chat around the team. And believe it, growing up in the NBA is hard. A lot of teams can stockpile young talent and never becoming a winning team and turn around from a loser to winner. The Wolves are looking for that perfect mix of young studs and complimentary veterans to be competitive every night.
This note just came hours after the Wolves stunned Toronto at the Target Center. Benjamin wrote, “You had to love the Wolves beating the Raptors. All I can say is that it’s Tyus time. Your thoughts?”
The victory over Toronto indeed showcased coach Tom Thibodeau at work. Finding a different mix at a vital time. Playing Jones, newly signed Lance Stephenson and sixth man Shabazz Muhammad in the 4th quarter crunch time. Jones hit a dramatic 3-pointer with 19-seconds left, Stephenson gave the Wolves 20 minutes and a veteran six points and four rebounds. Shabazz was serious with 22 points and vital leadership and energy.
It’s too early to count out this team. I get excited to think that this early spring in the Twin Cities will have us watching the Wild chase the Stanley Cup, the Twins turning around their fortunes and the Wolves returning to the NBA post-season.
That would be sweet.
Next week, my favorite NBA All Star team. Past and present. Keep your GameON!
Say What Rod?!
I’d love to get your feedback and your thoughts? You know, communication is a two-way street. So, let me know what you think. I’ve always loved your notes and we’ll be engaged…ready to talk Wolves and the NBA! You can e-mail me your comments, just send it to rod@gameonTVmn.com
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