Category "Timberwolves"
January 28, 2006
High Five Machine!
From SouthofBoston.com, the words of Celtics coach Doc Rivers. And I quote:
"I like guys who love to play. He gave us a lot of energy. He was really up, pumping guys up. I thought tonight we gave more high-fives to each other than we've combined all year, and I thought Wally started it. That's a good thing. We need that.''
I think Doc will soon find out that when it comes to high-fives, Wally starts it, continues it unabated throughout the middle, and doesn't stop even when the final buzzer sounds. The man is a high-five machine! According to Rivers, Wally caused more high-fives last night than high-fives in all the other Celtics game combined! Someone call Guinness!
I predict by the end of the season Paul Pierce clocks Wally screaming, "Don't touch me anymore!" Doc may be happy with Wally's energy now, but when Wally gives his 500th high-five out for a simple bounce pass he may fray some peoples' nerves. You heard it here first!
(Thanks to SBG for passing on the quote.)
Posted by snackeru at 09:32 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
Category "Timberwolves"
January 26, 2006
So long, Wally
Unless you haven't been paying attention, you know that the T-Wolves have made a blockbuster trade with Boston. Boston gets Szczerbiak, Michael Olowokandi and Dwayne Jones and a future first-round draft pick while Minnesota gets Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Marcus Banks, Justin Reed and two conditional second-round draft picks.
I like this move. Wally has been a favorite of mine since his rookie year, but he was not the answer. He could not help KG reach the next level. It was time to realize this and move on. I also like that we finally dumped that stiff Olawakandi. Thank goodness the "Kandi Era" is now over. I even like that we gave them a first round draft pick. Looking over McHale's decisions on first round draft picks over the years tells me he doesn't have a clue what he is doing with these picks. We mine as well give it up and save ourselves from his bonehead decisions (except for KG and Wally, of course).
KG has been the ultimate professional with Wally, but there is no doubt in my mind that Wally bugged the heck out of KG. Every pass, every shot made, every little thing Wally did on the court ... he would need a high five. It even bugged me. I could see KG just cringe every time Wally forced a high five or a finger point on him. Sometimes you gotta just play the game Wally and leave KG alone!
Getting Davis and Blount should improve the Wolves defensively and offensively. I think we will see the Wolves reach respectability with this move. Time will tell, but I am excited.
Posted by snackeru at 10:06 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
Category "Books"
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Timberwolves"
Nothing coherent, just more "dashed off tripe"
• I was watching the T-Wolves a little bit last night and I was just blown away by how bad they are. I mean YIKES! It is definitely "panic time" at the Target Center. KG must be beside himself with anger. McHale has seriously built a sub-.500 team.
• And speaking of KG, I don't know how many of you saw this, but a couple of weeks ago KG was asked about his time with Stephon Marbury when he started to talk about his own childhood. He had this to say:
"I was a gym rat, man," he said. "I loved hoops, and when I'm done with this game, I'm gonna hoop. You're going to catch me at the Minnetonka YMCA busting some of those old guys' butts. You think I'm [kidding], but I can't wait to get back on the blacktop."
That is why I love KG: honesty, loyalty, and the Minnetonka YMCA is the one I frequent! Man, I would love to get dunked on by KG! And if I ever scored on him ... wow, I would launch some serious trash talking. I hope KG sticks around.
• In case you missed this, Sen. Don Betzold, Senate author of the Vikings stadium bill in the illustrious Minnesota legislature, wrote an interesting piece discussing the problems with a referendum. His argument is that only allowing Anoka County residents, or Hennepin County residents, to vote on the fate of our favorite sports teams would be "too narrow to be fair." Betzold writes:
The referendum issue raises a basic question: Who should get to vote on it? It would seem that if it is a local sales tax, then the local citizens should vote. But that means that nearby citizens, also affected by the sales tax, cannot vote. Some of my constituents live in suburban Anoka County, and some live next door in suburban Ramsey County. In fact, the city of Spring Lake Park is in both counties, so the Anoka County Spring Lake Park voters could vote on a referendum but the Ramsey County Spring Lake Park voters could not.It is true that a state law requires a referendum approving a local sales tax to fund a local project, such as a city convention center. However, referendums have not been required for projects that have broad regional or statewide significance, such as the Minneapolis Convention Center and the Metrodome.
It is an argument I happen to agree with. The Metrodome and the Convention Center were built without referendum and I don't think anyone would ever say that they were a mistake. They have proven to be cost effective and important pieces of our metropolitan infrastructure. Betzold also writes:
That raises other questions: Should the voters of one county decide the future of a statewide asset? Do the Twins fans who live in Anoka County want the Hennepin County voters to decide if their team stays in Minnesota? Will the legislators who represent the other 87 counties want only Anoka County voters to decide the future of the Vikings? If Anoka County were to drop its plan and a new Vikings stadium proposal were to be proposed in, say, Dakota County, would Vikings fans in Anoka County want the voters in the southern suburbs to decide this issue? Should the students at the university vote on the possible tuition increases to pay for a new Gophers stadium?The Legislature can't send tough questions like these to the voters. We have to figure them out ourselves.
This raises two important points: 1) since these are statewide assets, it is a shame that only one county will pay for these stadiums in the first place, and 2) the legislature should definitely figure these issues out themselves. The more salient point is point number two. Do your jobs senators and representatives! We elected you to make informed decisions on controversial topics, not put your head in the sand and pass these decisions back to us. What are you good for then? If you don't want to do your jobs then I want to vote on everything. Referendums are a cop-out and an example of weak-minded legislators doing whatever it takes to keep their jobs.
Grow a backbone and make a decision, up or down. But don't pass it back to me.
• You'll note over on the right side a new section listing out all the books I've read so far in 2006. It is only three right now, but I hope to grow this list as the year progresses. That way, at the end of the year I won't have to wrack my brain trying to remember what books I've read in the last 12 months.
And just to let you know, Empire Falls was excellent. The Planets was a quick read, but not as good as I thought it would be. Camouflage was very good. It had not one, but two aliens in it and I am a sucker for alien books. The book is about two almost immortal aliens who live on Earth and interact with life here for thousands of years. One alien spends most of its time with humans and becomes quite a nasty fellow, while the other alien spends most of its time in the ocean, and only begins spending time with humans during the 20th Century. Meanwhile, in the not so distant future, a strange metallic artifact is found in a Pacific trench and scientists from all over try to figure out what it is. Could it have something to do with one of our aliens? Read Camouflage to find out. I enjoyed it.
• That's it for now. I'm back to liking clapping again. Yesterday it seemed kind of stupid, though. Sort of stupid like hitting a small white ball with a stick and racing around a diamond shaped playing field. Who came up with that?
Posted by snackeru at 08:28 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack | Books | Stadiums | Timberwolves
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Timberwolves"
January 17, 2006
Happy Birthday to Me (and SBG)
• Greetings and salutations, loyal reader! I'm not sure that anyone out there cares, but today is my birthday. Now, last year was an interesting birthday because I found out that January 17 is also Stick and Ball Guy's birthday. So, after you stop by here go over to his site and wish him a happy birthday from me! And just for your edification, here is a list of other people who were also born on January 17th:
Benjamin Franklin, 1706
Al Capone, 1899
Rock Hudson, 1925
James Earl Jones, 1931
Muhammad Ali, 1942
Jim Carrey, 1962
Good company for me and SBG, heh? Drop me a comment for my birthday! You can even do it anonymously! In fact, I command you to leave me a comment! It is my birthday wish!
• If you are looking for stadium news today, there isn't much to report. In case you missed it, you should check out Andy Brehm's commentary, Replace the Dome or Lose the Twins. A little sleight of hand with the numbers, but overall a good and well written effort.
UPDATE: Of course, just when I think there isn't any stadium news, the Vikings go ahead and create some. My initial impression of this turn of events is that the Vikings are wasting a whole lot of money by trying to ram their plans through this year. Unless this firm is going to start promoting a Twins stadium too, I don't see the legislature giving the Vikings the time of day. And that is a shame because in many ways the Vikings stadium bill is better than the Twins stadium bill. Well, I guess in one big way: it includes a bigger chunk of change from the owner. We'll watch this situation closely, I can guarantee you that, but I don't think much will come from it. I wish Zygi the best though. If we can get one of these stupid stadium bills out of the way that would be a good thing.
• I must admit that I hate the song "Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is" by Chicago with a burning passion that rivals the Sun. It may even rival my hatred for Tom Petty songs. I heard it yesterday while I was enjoying a delicious Snuffy's malt and it just about ruined everything. I'm still humming that stupid song.
• 
I just gotta ask, does this man deserve the money the T-Wolves gave him? I know he is a great guy and all, but what does he play, maybe 10 minutes a game? What does he average, a little over 1 point a game? I can't help but think that Mad Dog is the poster child for the ineptness of Kevin McHale as VP.
• Well, I watched all the Firefly episodes. Loved 'em. Couldn't get enough of them. And that Wash character! Such a funny guy. Then I watched the movie Serenity and I was loving it. It had action, suspense, comic relief ... it answered questions and had an awsome plot. And then the unthinkable happened! Why did Joss Whedon do what he did? Why? Both my wife and I sat there stunned. Very upsetting. If you've watched it, you know what I'm talking about.
Luckily, it looks like there will be a Serenity sequel of some sort (probably on TV) so Whedon can redeem himself.
That's all I got time for now. See you later!
Posted by snackeru at 05:52 AM | Comments (18) | TrackBack | Life | Stadiums | Timberwolves
Category "Timberwolves"
January 05, 2006
The Timberwolves game and Tom Selleck
You may be asking yourself what does going to a Timberwolves game and my fond memories and Magnum P.I. have in common? Well let me tell you. In the opening credits of the television show Magnum P.I., Tom Selleck beats the tar out of someone with a fighting move that my friends and I have cleverly named "The Selleck." The Selleck consists firstly of a vicious elbow to the stomach. Then, when the person is bowled over in excrutiating pain you finish off The Selleck with an immediate fist to the face, all with the same hand! Obviously the person on the receiving end of this awsome move is down for the count. No one can stand up to The Selleck. Ah ... the memories. Tom Selleck was the master and documented inventor of "The Selleck." For that we owe him our tribute.
Again, you may be asking yourself, what does this have to do with the T-Wolves game last night? I will now tell you. Last night, before leaving home for work, my brother-in-law called me and asked me if I wanted to go to the T-Wolves game. Not only that, but my brother-in-law informed me that our seats would be in a Target Center suite! Of course, I said yes. But when I got to the game things only got better!
You will note from my ticket that not only was I in a suite, but I was in suite number 1! Boom! And then you will notice that not only was I in suite number 1, I was in seat number 1! Bam! Believe it or not, you have just been on the receiving end of a virtual Selleck! First I nail you with the fact that I was sitting in suite 1. As you stagger under the blow of my virtual elbow to the stomach, I then smack you in the face with the fact that I also had a ticket for seat number 1! Can you feel it? I'm sorry to deal such a horrible amount of pain on you today, but it had to be done. Believe it or not, you are a better person for it.
Yes, last night was a blast. That was the first time I have ever in a suite in any sport, so I was just plain giddy. The suite could handle 12 people, but there were only 6 of us. There was also all kinds of delicious food including fried chicken, buffalo wings, cold cut sandwiches, chips and dip, various munchies, cookies, beer, and all the Pepsi I could drink. We also had our own personal bathroom, and a TV with the college football national championship on. Then, to top it all off, the T-Wolves won the game in convincing fashion! Marko Jaric had a great game, as did Wally and KG. Needless to say, I had an absolutely phenomenal time.
So, have you recovered yet from my virtual Selleck? Sorry again for that. However, now that you know about The Selleck you too can inflict a world of hurt on anyone that wrongs you. Hopefully in time you will come to thank me for my instruction in this important fighting move.
See you soon!
Bow before the greatness that is Tom Selleck!
Posted by snackeru at 08:33 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
Category "Lists"
Category "Timberwolves"
Category "Vikings"
December 05, 2005
Random thoughts
• With the Vikings win yesterday everyone seems to be talking about Daunte vs. Brad Johnson. Who should be the starter next season? Would the Vikings be this good with Duante still at the helm? First of all let me say I think Brad Johnson is just what the Vikings needed this year. He has played phenomenally well, and he deserves all the accolades he is receiving. However, he is 37 years old. History will tell us that substituting a young, talented QB with an older QB that has had one good year is just a huge mistake. Remember when we replaced Brad Johnson with Randall Cunningham? No, next year put Daunte back under center. I love Brad Johnson and all that he is doing for us, but Daunte is still the future.
• Stupid Packers. Can't even beat their so-called "arch rivals." Show some pride, Favre! I can't believe how putrid the Packers are right now. There is still a way to salvage the season (by beating Chicago at home), but I doubt this team has the backbone to pull that one off. Thanks for nothing!
• I worked on my family's Christmas letter last night. Does anyone else find the yearly Christmas letter absolutely painful to write? Every year I go through the same thing with my wife: me "putting my foot down" and refusing to write the letter, and her begging me to "just do it" (with her of course) until we finish it. It usually turns out pretty good too. But I just can't stand writing the stupid thing. I don't know why.
• I watched the T-Wolves last night and was impressed with the team effort. KG only scores 11 points and they still pull out a seemingly easy victory. The key to this team obviously isn't KG dominating night in and night out. It is Wally and someone else scoring at least 15 and the team playing some solid defense. But especially Wally ... whenever he plays well the team does better as a whole. At least that is what I'm seeing this year. Maybe SBG can do some analysis of it.
• Watching the game last night got me to thinking about how I would improve it. There is no doubt in anyone's mind (I don't think) that the college game is vastly superior to the NBA. Quite frankly, besides the playoffs, the NBA can sometimes be excrutiatingly boring. So, if I was comissioner, what would I do differently? Hmmm...
- First of all I would decrease the number of games played in a season. 84 games means way too many games are meaningless. I would probably drop the number of games to 60 at the most.
- Secondly, I would decrease the number of teams that make it into the playoffs. I would institute a playoff system ala the NFL and MLB where only the division champions make it in plus a couple of wild cards. Again, this will have the effect of increasing the importance of regular season games, and it will also make the division races a little more meaningful. Right now, who cares about the divisions?
- I would allow any kind of zone defense. If a team wants to play the 2-3 then so be it. No more delaying the game with these stupid illegal defense calls. It would also force teams to value pure shooters a little more rather than players that can just back a defender down to the basket. Man! I would get rid of that stupid defensive three second rule so fast it would make your head spin.
- I would definitely increase the shot clock to 35 seconds. Increasing the shot clock will bring back the fundamentals of basketball (offensive ball movement anyone?) we obviously enjoy while watching the college game.
- I would institute international rules like referee-less sideline inbounds passes. That would make it a little more interesting. The trapezoid shaped key is just stupid though.
- I would also get rid of that stupid rule where an offensive foul can't be called if a player is inside the half circle under the basket. Huh? Who was the genius that came up with that? Let the players actually play defense! You know, the defense that they learned throughout their whole lives playing basketball? If you are planted and a player comes into the lane out of control and knocks you over, I don't care where you are, it is an offensive foul!
- Finally I would fire any NBA television director that switches a fast break shot or impending dunk camera angle from the half court view to the baseline view. You know what I'm talking about. You are watching a fast break unfold, you are excited that it will probably be a dunk, when at the last second the camera view switches to the baseline. Your TV is suddenly filled with just a shot of the basket and a player dunking the ball and maybe a defender's hand. Man I hate this angle! Show me the half court view! I want to see the whole play unfold! I want to see the trailing options, I want to see the defenders try to set up, I want to see the angle of attack! Sheesh this makes me angry!
That's about it. With these changes the NBA is bound to be better. If Stern needs any more advice he knows where to find me.
Posted by snackeru at 08:17 AM | Comments (20) | TrackBack | Lists | Timberwolves | Vikings
Category "Timberwolves"
June 01, 2004
The More I Think About It
The more I think about it, the more painful it becomes. The greatest season in T-Wolves history is over and it was really, really fun. I had a great time this season watching the team, and I think the T-Wolves gained some more fans in the land of 10,000 lakes. However, the game last night made me think about the what-ifs and the what could-have-beens and it is just depressing. Namely, what if Sam Cassell wasn't injured? He would have lit Gary Payton up. With Sam running the inside-outside attack the Wolves would have been unstoppable. I absolutely agree with Sam on the Wolves chances with him in the game.
Secondly, what it the Wolves were hitting their shots? Really it all boils down to this, the Wolves shot 43% from the floor last night, and 22% from the 3 point line. The only thing that kept them in the game were the refs gracious calls and their 92% shooting from the free throw line. And think about this, Kareem Rush's 6 three pointers, those 6 extra points he racked up for the Lakers, were the 6 points the Lakers won by. Ouch. But hey, more power to him, he stepped up and hit the big shots, unlike Spree and Wally. Spree shot 36% from the field (8-22!) and Wally shot 38%. That ain't gonna cut it. I don't want to fault their games too much since Spree's energy was contagious for the Wolves, but without Sam in the game, Spree and Wally have got to hit the big shots. And in the fourth, they were not hitting the big shots.
Finally, what if the Wolves didn't lost game one? If they hadn't lost game one, they would be coming back to the Target Center for game 7 tomorrow night. That would have been an achievement. Hopefully this shows KG and the rest of the Wolves how important winning at home is in the NBA playoffs. I know they were tired coming off the seventh game of the Sac series, but I'm sure they all wish they could have that first game back.
Anyway, the only silver lining in all of this is that Karl Malone and Gary Payton are finally going to get their rings. I don't give the East much of a chance. And hopefully Spree comes back next year. I think he will. The Wolves can pay him more than anyone, and he has got to know this is his best shot for a title, unless he also signs with the Lakers. This was a good year for the Wolves, no doubt about it. It was just what KG needed to keep that fire going. I don't think he or Sam will be satisfied with anything less than the Finals next year. I can't wait!
Posted by snackeru at 08:38 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
Category "Timberwolves"
May 28, 2004
Looks pretty bad
OK, before I go off let me just say that the Lakers are a very good team. Seriously, they have four first ballot hall of famers in their starting lineup. That is tough to overcome. However, one in particular is getting some very special treatment from the refs and quite frankly I am just sick of it. Shaq is both getting the calls and the Wolves aren't getting any calls on Shaq. If Olowakandi just blows on Shaq the refs call a foul on him. But it definitely is not a two way street. I can think of three instances where Shaq practically mauled one of the T-Wolves and nothing was called: KG's drive in the lane in the first quarter (Shaq pummeled him), Hoiberg's drive in the lane in the second quarter (Shaq leveled him), and the over-the-back on Ervin Johnson in the third quarter (quite obvious to all of America, I'm sure, but not the refs). What do the Wolves have to do to get a foul called on Shaq? It is obvious the refs look out for Shaq (probably because of all of his complaining), and I'm not saying they shouldn't, I'm just saying the calls have to go both ways.
I watched the game with Cheesehead Craig last night and we both thought Flip was going to get ejected in the fourth. We thought there would be a point where a foul was just too obvious to overlook and he would lay into one of the refs and get a double technical or something. Maybe the game was too close for him to do that, but I think it could have sent a wake up call to both the refs and the Wolves as a team. I know I was frustrated, I don't know how Flip kept his cool.
Having said all of this, I'm sure the refs do the best they can, and they are not the reason the Wolves are losing. Not having Sam Cassel definitely hurts, but what hurts more is just plain missing shots. Sprewell, God bless his streaky shooting, could not buy a basket last night. KG had a great game, but he missed some easy shots too. Really, the key to beating the Lakers is hitting shots because you know the Lakers will not miss.
So, to sum up: the refs need to stop trying to appease Shaq, the T-Wolves need to start hitting some shots, and they need to win without Sam Cassell. All of this is completely within the realm of reason and I fully expect the Wolves to win game five at the Target Center. Can they win game six, though, at the Staples Center ... that has yet to be determined. We'll see how they do in game five.
Posted by snackeru at 08:35 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Timberwolves"
May 24, 2004
Random weekend thoughts
I think we all know what was on my mind this weekend: The T-Wolves/Lakers series. What a great game last night. When Sam left the game I think the world thought the Wolves would just fold, but fortunately that was not to be. The Wolves not only beat the Lakers, but they crushed the Lakers, making it look easy in the process. What was the secret? First of all they played physical. Sprewell led the charge in that category by consistently picking up his man for full court defense after the ball was inbounded on made shots. The Wolves as a team got in the Lakers "grill" and didn't let up. That is why there were so many technicals at the end of the game (and an ejection of Karl Malone). The Lakers were just sick of it. What a bunch of pansies. Secondly, the Wolves got to the foul line. The magic number for the Wolves seems to be 20 free throw attempts. If they get to that number (or close to it: they got to 19 last night) they seem to have their best shot of winning the game. Next we have the play of KG. KG scored 24 points and had 11 rebounds. A solid effort from him throughout the game and a very good effort from him to close out the game in the fourth. And of course the Wolves bench contributed big time. Darrick Martin with 16 points? Are you kidding me? Wally is playing some good ball too, although I wish he would shoot more and dribble less. Finally, the quartet of Johnson, Madsen, Miller, and Olowakandi shut the Diesel down. I think we found out last night that Kobe can torch the Wolves (27 last night), but if Shaq is taken out of the game the Lakers don't stand a chance. Shaq is without a doubt the MVP of that team and we should see a bigger contribution from him on Tuesday. At least I think the Lakers will try to get him more involved.
Next we have the semi-weekly update from the Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave. Yesterday as I was driving home from church Sid received phone calls from both Dean Johnson, Senate Majority leader, and Steve Sviggum, Speaker of the House, concerning stadium issues. First of all, it sounded like there will most definitely be a special session called. Right now the two chambers are mapping out the agenda of the session. Secondly, both leaders said they think a stadium bill will be part of the mix. Although they both hedged a little bit, I think the fact that they both called Sid on Sunday speaks volumes regarding the chances of the stadium bill being considered in the special session. Of course, Sid gave both of the them a hard time which I really appreciated. Anyway, I'm feeling good about the chances for a new Twins stadium today.
Lastly, and this is totally off topic, I was thinking about my family this weekend and where we have come since the first Nackerud "got off the boat" in 1903. Needless to say, my family has come a long way. I'm sure yours has too. When you think about it, the people we have to thank for this are the people that decided to take a chance so long ago. In my case, Andrew Pedersen Nackerud decided in 1903 to leave everything behind in Norway for the chance of a better life in the unknown of America. That was huge! Can you imagine packing everything up, leaving your family and home, and moving to a foreign country knowing that you would never return? You may be wondering what my point is. It is this: somewhere in all of our pasts is someone who decided to take a chance, a huge risk actually, and try for something better. We all have the blood of adventure running through our veins. Somewhere deep down inside of all of us Americans is this drive, this willingness to sacrifice and work hard and take a chance. Is there any wonder why America is so great or why we are so successful? So take a moment today to think about your own family history and that person, or group of people, that made the decision to come to America. For me it is a little humbling and awesome to think that this spirit of adventure still lives somewhere in me.
Posted by snackeru at 08:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack | Life | Stadiums | Timberwolves
Category "Timberwolves"
May 21, 2004
Wolves game tonight
Short post today as I've got tons of work to do, but I just wanted to let everyone know that I am aware that the T-Wolves are on tonight and I will be watching the game. I know, that must be a big relief to all of you. Anyway, I was reading the LA Times today and I came across this article which has some choice quotes for all of us to ponder over. First of all the author begins by stating that Minnesota is the curling capital of the country. He then states:
"I just know those folks who live out there in the hinterland are familiar with brooms, and next week when they turn on the TV and see a bunch of Laker fans waving brooms above their heads, I don't want them to think we're challenging them."
Oh, ha! ha! ... stop ... my sides hurt. That sure is a rib tickler! He then goes on to state:
"We all know the Lakers can name the final score tonight. Of course, they can do that almost any night, which makes you wonder why they let the other team win so often, but I just don't see any Mall of America incentive for Jeanie, Phil and our regular-season slackers to return to Minneapolis next week.It's pretty well understood now in the basketball world, although it might be a few days before the rider arrives in Mankato with the news, that the Lakers are going to win another title. The only thing remaining in question is the date of the parade."
Wow. Strong words. I'm starting to get a little angry.
"One of the newspapers back there, and I can never tell the difference between those small-town twins — Minneapolis and St. Paul — has a columnist, I believe, by the name of 'Sid Homer.' That tells you a little about these yahoos."
He has dared to mock Sid? That is strike two!
"Sure, I noticed their cheerleaders on TV, and I guess it was a long winter, so the good news is they'll have four more games to work themselves into swimsuit shape."
Ahhh! He has stepped over the line! The beauty of our women-folk has been questioned! If that doesn't work T-Wolves fans into a frenzy nothing will! For the honor of our women (who by the way are absolutely gorgeous) we must show no mercy. I don't know about you, but this series has now stepped up a notch on the hatred meter. I hate the Lakers! And I know I'm not alone. You may have 9 million people cheering for you to win, LA, but the rest of the country is decidedly in favor of the T-Wolves.
And by the way, we want our team nickname back too!
Posted by snackeru at 09:11 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
Category "Timberwolves"
May 19, 2004
In your face
I don't think I've ever been so nervous watching an NBA game. When Christie (man he bugs me) hit that three pointer with 16.8 seconds left I just about threw up. But the T-Wolves won. I am relieved, ecstatic, drained, pumped-up, and tired all at the same time. So, let's take care of the obvious points. Boy did Madsen stink it up tonight. Flip gave him his chance in the first half, but he simply could not hold on to anything thrown his way. Hoiberg had zero points so my comment about Hoiberg and Madsen on the floor at the same time being "magical" ... let's just pretend I didn't say that. Hopefully Madsen can play a little better against his former team. And if I could have reached through the TV to choke Sprewell I would have. How many turnovers did he have because of careless passing? 3? 4? He's got to be a little more careful with the ball. Finally, Sam's performance was way more than I expected. 
His two free throws at the end to put the Wolves up by three were probably the two most clutch free throws in Wolves history. For that I thank him.
Now for the obvious. KG is the MVP for a reason, and tonight he proved it: 32 points, 21 rebounds, 5 blocks; 14 points in the fourth quarter alone. And another thing, why does he still need to prove he is the MVP? I am so sick of hearing that KG is somehow unworthy because he won't take the big shot or that he disappears in the fourth quarter. Can we finally put those tired comments to rest? I don't know how many of you read ESPN.com, but they were really dumping on KG today. Look at what Dan Shanoff wrote in his "Daily Quickie" piece today:
For future reference: That's the ongoing historical theme of the NBA playoffs; teams have to be KO'ed -- usually brutally -- before they learn what it takes to win.Pay attention, Kevin Garnett: For future reference.
Hey Shanoff, for future reference you are an idiot.
Eric Neel also picked Webber and the Kings to win only because he didn't want Webber to lose, and the Boston Sports Guy, aka Bill Simmons, pretty much slobbered all over himself trying to say negative things about KG and the Wolves.
"I can't shake the feeling that I was right about KG, that he's the 'Greatest Second Banana of All Time.' He's terrific, absolutely. He just can't singlehandedly rip out a team's heart like MJ or Kobe. And that's what you need in a Game 7. If it's close near the end, they'll be feeding Cassell or Spree."
First of all, Simmons, you are rarely right about anything. I can understand that being from Boston you think you know everything, but obviously you'd be wrong. In this case you are horribly wrong: 32 points, 21 rebounds and 14 points in the fourth. If Simmons is writing about anything besides sports I usually think he is very funny and spot on. His running commentary of the movie Hoosiers is a classic. But if he is writing anything about any sport, college or professional, his Boston bias and his inexplicable derision of Minnesota sports franchises is usually too much for me. I'll never forgive him for suggesting the Twins should be contracted, or that the Twins and the Expos should be moved to Las Vegas to create some kind of "uber team." Hey! I think I figured out where my hatred of the Red Sox comes from!
To top it off, Simmons, in the same article above, suggested that KG should not have backed down after AP hit him in the jaw. In his infinite wisdom he writes:
Still, I'm going with the Kings. I just think the Wolves have too much pressure on them. Hope I'm wrong -- I like KG. Even if he let down his boys in Chicago for life by taking two steps back from AP.
First of all KG is from South Carolina, you moron, and more importantly what exactly would you have had KG do? Most people praise KG for holding back and actually making sure he plays in game seven, but would you have him risk all of that to protect his "street cred?" Of course you would:
"All he needed to do was either A) give him the old two-handed shove, or B) grab him by the neck like MJ did to Reggie Miller that time. Neither of those things would have gotten him kicked out of Game 7. But by taking two steps back and standing there he basically backed down. And your best player can't back down."
This comment is too stupid to even be worthy of print. KG obviously did the right thing: he stuck it to the Kings in game seven and is now on his way to the conference finals. Simmons would have preferred KG risk it all to stand up to a role player trying to goad him into a fight! Sheesh! I know some of you really like Bill Simmons, but how can any of these comments be justified? At the very least he gives me material to get angry about, so I guess I could thank him for that. I would rather he just shut up and start showing KG and the Wolves some respect for once.
Anyway, I'm thrilled the Wolves won. What a fantastic game. Of course, no one is giving them any chance versus the Lakers, but it should be a good series. Can't wait for Friday!
Posted by snackeru at 11:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Timberwolves"
May 16, 2004
Tough day to be a fan
Ouch. The T-Wolves game was not very fun to watch today. Let's see, the Kings outshot them, that is for sure, but unfortunately it appeared the Wolves also got out-hustled. In their defense, the T-Wolves had a game to lose and the Kings were fighting for their playoff lives, but I really didn't see much passion out there. Except from Sprewell. He is definitely playing at another level. My biggest criticism, however, I leave for Flip Saunders. What in the world was he thinking by not playing Mark Madsen in the fourth? OK, I know what he was thinking: Madsen only shoots 48% from the line. However, did Flip watch the same first quarter I watched? When Madsen and the Mayor are out on the floor together, something magical happens. With Sam Cassel hurting and Wally still not 100%, Madsen and Hoiberg should have been on the floor in the fourth. They give the team energy, especially Madsen, and Hoiberg has huge scoring potential when left open. And with KG and Sprewell on the floor at the same time, Hoiberg gets left open a lot. And back to Madsen, he is an offensive rebounding machine! I don't know about you, but I hope we see a lot of these two on Wednesday night, especially if Cassel is still hurting.
And the Twins ... wow did they get smoked. Silva's first loss of the year. All of this meant it was not a very good day to be a fan of Minnesota sports. Or was it? Last night the legislative session adjourned without a decision on the budget which means the governor will most likely call a special session. Most Minnesotans are upset about this, but not me. A special session is the only hope for the stadium bill, and the Twins believe they will be included in a special session if one is called. If you didn't catch the Pioneer Press on Friday, the governor had some good things to say about my favorite topic:
Pawlenty said he would still like to enact a stadium bill this year because interest rates are likely to go up and Major League Baseball may try again to get rid of the Twins."Does it absolutely, absolutely have to be done this year? Not necessarily," he said. "But it gets more expensive, more complicated and more risky if we wait till next year or after that. I don't think that's wise."
Please, please, please get something done this year! If you haven't yet, write your legislator and tell him or her that you want something to be done now! Finally, if you didn't read the Star Tribune editorial on Friday, it was a good one.
Posted by snackeru at 09:18 PM | Comments (0) | Stadiums | Timberwolves
Category "Timberwolves"
May 11, 2004
What a game!
Holy moley. That was a nail biter. I don't know about you, but I was pretty nervous last night. To give up a 14 point lead and then have the game go into overtime was too much. I almost gave up on them. But I've made that mistake before, so I stuck around to the bitter end. And what a reward! Let's start with the obvious questions: first of all, was Peja fouled at the end? I don't think there is any doubt that through quarters 1-3 that would have been called a foul. Hassel claims that Peja jumped into him, but I still think that was a foul. So, should the Kings have won the game? Of course I'm a little biased, but at the end of regulation Garnett looked to be fouled on his desperation attempt, the one Reusse calls putrid, and also his now famous check-the-shot-clock-at-the-other-end-fade-away should have been a three point play. Brad Miller just hammered his arm, and yet KG was still able to muscle it through. It was a spectacular shot by a player that deserves it more than anyone. Man I love KG. He kept his composure even after he slipped and fell with 4.1 seconds left to give the Kings one more shot. That would have been enough to send me crying in a corner, but KG just grimaced and sucked it up. 30 points and 15 rebounds in a truly MVP performance, highlighted by that fade away that put them up by three. That was an amazing shot. And what did I tell you? Sprewell had a pretty good game. Larry Bird-esque in that suddenly you look up and he's got 25 points. Man what a game! I was so wired I even watched the postgame show. Well, I seem to be rambling a bit now so I'll go for now. Can't wait for Wednesday evening!
Posted by snackeru at 08:51 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack | Timberwolves
