<u>Game Details.:</u> [22-27] @ [35-15] Target Center Tuesday, Feb 10th, 8:00 pm EST <u>Probable Lineups.:</u> C Chris Kaman F Elton Brand F Corey Maggette G Quentin Richardson G Marko Jaric C Ervin Johnson F Kevin Garnett F Trenton Hassell G Latrell Sprewell G Sam Cassell <u>Notes & Analysis.:</u> Coming off a tough loss to Memphis, the Wolves probably will want to come out strong against a obviously inferior team and not let it come down to a final shot. The Timberwolves have won five in a row in the series, including the first two meetings this season, do not look for things to change. The Clippers are continuing their season high 9 game road trip, currently they stand 3-3 on the trip. The Timberwolves have not lost back to back home games since November 26 and December 9. <u>Key Points.:</u> > LA Clippers must keep one of the big 3 from having a monster night. Considering Garnett brings the numbers every night, and Cassell is still on a hot roll, the Clippers must look to hold Sprewell to some low numbers. > Minnesota just have to play their game. They are clearly the favorites and match up as good if not better at every single position and bench enegry. The Wolves must not over look this game and allow Brand do what Abdur-Rahim had done to them a few games back. <u>The Matchup.:</u> Elton Brand vs Kevin Garnett Clearly the leaders of their respective teams... and both considered the 2 of the best big men in the L. Elton Brand should be out to prove his snub was a mistake and will look to contend with Garnett to prove he can contend with the best. <font size="1">Player images courtesy NBA.com.</font>
Wolves by 8, freethrows end it. The Clipers don't have the defense to beat the Wolves, not even close.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trail_Blazer76:</div><div class="quote_post">Good job ph. I doubt that Brand will prove his snub against Kg though. </div> Hey, If Pau Gasol can totally abuse KG, so can Brand.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">Hey, If Pau Gasol can totally abuse KG, so can Brand.</div> ROFL, abuse? You act like Gasol was Garnett's only priority in the Memphis game. Garnett plays as much help D as any player in the L... and yes his man will get the benefit of the doubt with some easy buckets.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting purehoops:</div><div class="quote_post">ROFL, abuse? You act like Gasol was Garnett's only priority in the Memphis game. Garnett plays as much help D as any player in the L... and yes his man will get the benefit of the doubt with some easy buckets.</div> I watched the Memphis game and Pau had his way with Garnett inside, KG did basically nothing to even try and stop him. Gasol missed just 3 shots and maybe 1 of them was there any pressure from the defender. Wasn't as if there were any double teams. One on one Gasol destroyed Garnett Even though It was the only time Gasol had played great against him. It still happened.
Honesty is good.. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">I watched the Memphis game and Pau had his way with Garnett inside, KG did basically nothing to even try and stop him. Gasol missed just 3 shots and maybe 1 of them was there any pressure from the defender. Wasn't as if there were any double teams. One on one Gasol destroyed Garnett Even though It was the only time Gasol had played great against him. It still happened.</div> Kudos to Gasol for having a great game. But a player of KG's caliber has to have his head on the swivle for possible passing lanes which is something that wouldn't happen in a true one-on-one game. Certain people will go one-on-one with you (Kobe, Francis, J. O'Neal) so you can expect to defend just them. Nothing from Gasol though, good game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting twolvefan11:</div><div class="quote_post">Cassell scores 30 as the Timberwolves win by 7.</div> I also see Cassell going for something big in the game... and for Garnett I expect a statical average Garnett game, 23/12 ballpark.
Circling Brand, but watching Maggette. Teams are looking to sneak a couple of wins from the better teams due to their superstars looking forward to the All-Star break. We will need a TOTAL team effort in showing teams that they will need to bring their "A" game to compete. This game is hard to judge right now, but you can tell alot after KG's first 3 shots.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sabretooth:</div><div class="quote_post">Teams are looking to sneak a couple of wins from the better teams due to their superstars looking forward to the All-Star break. We will need a TOTAL team effort in showing teams that they will need to bring their "A" game to compete. This game is hard to judge right now, but you can tell alot after KG's first 3 shots.</div> Ionno... Garnett does have those games where he starts really slow... and comes out the locker room as a new player. But I do agree that if he gets off to a hot start... usually it lasts the entire game, and their isnt much an opposition can do, except double team him... and we all know that Garnett loves to pass for the assist.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting purehoops:</div><div class="quote_post">Ionno... Garnett does have those games where he starts really slow... and comes out the locker room as a new player. But I do agree that if he gets off to a hot start... usually it lasts the entire game, and their isnt much an opposition can do, except double team him... and we all know that Garnett loves to pass for the assist.</div> You can tell how comfortable the game will be for the fans if he swishes his 2 of his first 3 jumpers. It's easier to regain your confidence after a couple of shots drop than it is to start cold and heat up. Not saying it can't happen, but you don't want to hinder what could have been the "better shot" when yours hasn't fallen yet.
The Timberwolves are too good for the Clippers, I think if they play their normal ball they should easily take this one, Brand and KG should be a nice matchup to wathc...Wolves by 8+
The t-wolves turn the ball over way to much in the 1st quarter. They average the least turnovers per game but most of them come in the 1st. They need to fix that. They will more than likely do what they always do an try & get sprewell off early. If he gets off than its going to nearly impossible for the Clippers to beat the wolves. Jaric cant guard anyone, steph went for 40 against him the other night, so I also look for big # for Sam tonight. But trenton Hassell defense might be the key. He has to contain one of the clippers big time wing scorers(Q Rich or corey Maggette). KG has to be one his A game as well. It seems like the All-star snubs like Gasol & Rahim really was in attack mode against KG last week. So tonight he will be facing another player who will want to get his name in the post game press clippings. You Know Brand is going to try & attack. And Fred Hoiberg has been shooting the ball extremely well the past few games. So hopefully when he checks into the game at the end of the 1st/ early 2nd he can provide some more 1st half points. And be that 4th scorer that gets into double -digits. The t-wolves are much more effective when him & trenton Hassell provide a little bit of points along with their hustle & defense.
Minny blow the Clips out, KG to score 30+ points and Cassell 20+. This will be the headlines tomorrow. Wolves by 20.
2:15 in the 1st and Cassell hasnt taken a shot? Wow, now that is ownage. He has 4 asissts tho... Garnett is off to a good start... 6-8.
