Great win for the Timberwolves. After a tough first half, Wolves rebounded well in the second half and they made big shots as usual in the fourth quarter. In my opinion, the Timberwolves are probably the best fourth quarter team in basketball. They just seemed to have a knack to make those big shots in the fourth quarter and it showed again tonight. I thought the turning point of the game came when C-Webb received an great pass and he had a shot to make an easy layup, but instead he just shot it and the ball did not go in. That's when the Wolves made a 20-5 run. KG was simply fantastic as usual. He had his usual great game against the Kings as he was huge in the fourth quarter offensively and defensively. Eddie Griffin was awesome too. Troy Hudson was feeling it in the fourth quarter. It was good to see Sam make some couple of shots after coming off the bench in the fourth quarter. Fred Hoiberg made some big threes in the fourth. Just a fantastic fourth quarter. I had a good feeling the Wolves would get it done in the fourth. The fact they struggled to move the ball and make shots yet the fact that they were within striking distance gave me hope the Wolves would win.
Yep, Great win. Fred was very vital to that fourth-quarter comeback. As was Griffin, with another fantastic performance. Nice to see KG have a good game. At least Sam scored some big points in the second half, but besides that, him and sprewel(especialy spree) were extremely dissappointing Man am I glad we have such a good bench that two of our starters can play like crap and we can still win.
Fred's three actually gave the Wolves their first lead of the game I believe in the fourth quarter. That spurred the Wolves run along with C-Webb's missed shot. Eddie Griffin has played so well that Olowokandi does not see much playing time especially in the fourth quarter. It seems Griffin is very comfortable. You can just tell by how assertive he is. I am amazed at how KG just own the Kings in recent years. He just has a knack of dominating them which is one of the reasons why I felt the Wolves would beat the Kings in the second round of the playoffs. Sam really did not had a good game outside of couple of shots. In fact, he was really upset when Flip took him out late in the second quarter as he was venting with Sidney Lowe, Wolves assistant coach. Kings announcers was talking about Sam mouthing off and ignoring Flip. Sam has to realize that if he is not performing, he will be replaced in the game. He shouldn't be pouting. He knows he will get his opportunity even when he is being replaced.
I didnt think Flip was going to go back to Sam in the 4th. Anyway big win for the Wolves. The only concern of me is the Wolves have been waiting alot till the 4th quater to start making the defensive stops, that could be a concern later in the season. They have to have the defense their for 4 quarters, cause even when the offense is struggling you know they can turn that on in a drop of a dime. It has been times this season when they try to all of a sudden turn the D around in the 4th and get those big stops it hasnt clicked. But anyway great win by the Wolves. Eddie Griffin has been a god sent for this Timberwolves frontline. And the bench as well. Last year the Wolves we deep on the perimeter on the bench with Hudson at pg, when he wasnt injured, same with Wally on the wing and Fred Hoiberg at the 2 guard. But now they have a key frontcourt player to go along. And he can stretch the defense to give KG some space when they are on the floor together. The Wolves are looking good right now, but they clearly can & should get better as the year goes long. I personally still dont really like the mix in the starting lineup. I think they need Hassell defense in their to start games over Wally's offense. And the Wolves have been up & down alot in the 3rd quarters this year. But with that being said the Wolves are still 13-6.
I know Flip would eventually give Sam a chance to redeem himself. Flip always does that with players. Troy Hudson was going to get a breather eventually too. I am glad Sam madet he most of it. I actually think they play defense for most of the quarters. Sure they will have an occasional lapse, but for the most part, they are normally good. I gotta admit that I have been satisfied with the Wolves overall despite the distractions and sort of a rough start. I wish they can do a little better at home.
griffin is really starting to contribute well off the bench. he's going to have a somewhat breakout season
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I know Flip would eventually give Sam a chance to redeem himself. Flip always does that with players. Troy Hudson was going to get a breather eventually too. I am glad Sam madet he most of it.</div> There has been times this year where Flip has road with T-Hud for the enitre 4th when Sam is struggling, both Pacer games come to mind. There were a few others, I think once Flip decide to ride with Cassell in the 4th even when he was struggling was the turnaround for the Wolves during that last road trip. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I actually think they play defense for most of the quarters. Sure they will have an occasional lapse, but for the most part, they are normally good.</div> Compared to last year there defense doesnt look as strong in my opinion. Last season, you could easily argue that once you got past the Spurs & Rockets in the West, the Wolves had the 3rd best team defense in the conference. They were amongst top in Fg% against, teams had an extremely hard time shooting the ball well from the field against this team. I dont get the same fell this year to be honest. The Wolves are giving up alot more 100 pt games. Granted scoring is up around the league but teams offenses just look more comfortable this year setting up against that D. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">. I wish they can do a little better at home.</div> i agree, that dont have the same focus at home as they do on the road. It was kind of the same last year tho...cause both Cassell & Sprewell played better on the road. But I think the Wolves will get stronger at home as the season goes along. Part of the problem is they gave up a 100+ points in 2 of their 3 home losses. Kind of hard to win, when you let a team come in your building and drop a 100pts.
So we're now 2-0 against the Kings this season? Niice. Sorry I haven't been around on the T-Wolves board. I'm still a big fan of the T-Wolves, but I haven't been concentrating on pro sports anymore. I'm adjusting to almost mainly liking the college game much better. Nonetheless, great win for the T-Wolves. After a slow start to the season, Minny has really come on strong. The addition of Eddie Griffin has paid off, big time.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">Compared to last year there defense doesnt look as strong in my opinion. Last season, you could easily argue that once you got past the Spurs & Rockets in the West, the Wolves had the 3rd best team defense in the conference. They were amongst top in Fg% against, teams had an extremely hard time shooting the ball well from the field against this team. I dont get the same fell this year to be honest. The Wolves are giving up alot more 100 pt games. Granted scoring is up around the league but teams offenses just look more comfortable this year setting up against that D. </div> I can understand your point regarding the D, but remember that Flip is still learning the best combinations in certain situations. Remember when Sam was saying he'd rather lost a couple games earlier while the winning mix is being put together. You have to remember that, it seems to me, that we seem a little better in at "Winning Time" (Do you remember whose phrase that was) because we have a tall defender who can spread the defense on O and LIKES to rebound and block shots in Griffin. I do have a problem with the fact that teams feel like they are still in the game when we have a large lead early because we go into lulls. Are we going to be the NBA's version of the "Cardiac Cats"? I mean, the Wolves seem to turn into a different team on Defense in the 4th. Is it because they change something, or because Flip knows it's time for the opposition to figure out the riddle of the Griffen and change their offensive calls? ........okay, bad pun . Usually were not playing long-haired, bearded, German weirdos who say things like It's ein guten Tag, aber ich k?nnen nicht ein R erhalten, oder I'll verdanken der Mannschaft ein Buffet beim Sizzler while running on offense. He was just on that day. But the defensive intensity in the fourth, I like the idea of being feared down the stretch. Similar to the MN NHL team in the playoffs. They'd be down 3 - 1 in a series and come back and win. Scares the hell out of the opposition.
