Undefeated at home
Yesterday's game against the Hornets was a good victory, but it was painful to watch at times. In the second quarter, the Wolves looked as strong as they've looked all season. They out scored the Hornets 33-13 and built a 14-point halftime lead.
Then the third quarter started. Ugh. The third quarter was the antithesis of the second. Everything that could go possible went wrong. They couldn't make shots, couldn't get calls, and every time it looked like they were going to get something going, something would happen to turn it around. Eventually, everybody's favorite lobster, Mayor Freddy Zoidberg, drained a couple threes to help stop the bleeding.
The Wolves got some life back in the fourth and eked out a win. I was expecting a big win, but I'll take it anyway I can get it. However, the meltdown in the third quarter is a cause for concern. We may be able to overcome a quarter like that against a team like the Hornets, but against an elite team, if we have a quarter like that, we're just going to lose. Period.
At the same time, it was good to see the Wolves able to overcome such a terrible stretch. A younger team might have lost their composure and started hucking up wild shots, but the Wolves didn't fall into this trap. They just kept playing their game, knowing that playing their game would eventually get them the W.
Then the third quarter started. Ugh. The third quarter was the antithesis of the second. Everything that could go possible went wrong. They couldn't make shots, couldn't get calls, and every time it looked like they were going to get something going, something would happen to turn it around. Eventually, everybody's favorite lobster, Mayor Freddy Zoidberg, drained a couple threes to help stop the bleeding.
The Wolves got some life back in the fourth and eked out a win. I was expecting a big win, but I'll take it anyway I can get it. However, the meltdown in the third quarter is a cause for concern. We may be able to overcome a quarter like that against a team like the Hornets, but against an elite team, if we have a quarter like that, we're just going to lose. Period.
At the same time, it was good to see the Wolves able to overcome such a terrible stretch. A younger team might have lost their composure and started hucking up wild shots, but the Wolves didn't fall into this trap. They just kept playing their game, knowing that playing their game would eventually get them the W.
Elsewhere in the NBA
- Congrats to former Timberwolf Sam Mitchell, whose Toronto Raptors are now a surprising 3-0. I'm not sure what he's been teaching them up there, but they've gotten wins against Houston and Detroit. Not too shabby.
- Bobcats now 1-1. They got their first victory in team history by beating the crap out of the Orlando Magic. There has been a lot of talk about whether or not they'll break the NBA record for worst win percentage (9-73). I don't think they'll do it. For starters, the bar has been set pretty low. To beat the record, they'll need to win fewer than 10% or their games. That's pretty hard to do and with one win under their belt, they may have already blown their chance to make history. Secondly, they play in the East. Yes, the East has some good teams now, but the majority of the conference is still garbage. They'll get 3 more against Orlando, not to mention 4 against the Bulls, Wizards, and Hawks.
- During the Wolves game against Denver, the commentators noted that Earl Boykins can bench 330 pounds. Are you kidding me? That guy is like 3 feet tall. Pound for pound, that must make him one of the strongest players in the NBA.
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