|
|
Current Quotes
"Let's not forget the part of Kevin McHale's legacy where we were a couple wins away from winning a championship in 2004. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that season and now we're kind of in a rebuilding phase, but let's not forget the fullness of Kevin McHale's basketball legacy. And at the same time as a person, Kevin McHale is one of the best human beings out there in the game of basketball and not in the game of basketball in terms of how he values personal relationships. I think that's why he had the ear of every single player on this team. We knew that he cared not only about winning, but he also cared about you as a player."
Mark Madsen on McHale's legacy as a coach
"I'll be honest, one candidate that probably is flying under the radar in Minnesota is Brian Shaw, who is one of the top assistants for the Lakers right now and has a great basketball mind. "He's on the radar of a lot of teams. If we were fortunate enough to get a guy like Brian or Sam Mitchell, with his success in Toronto and stature and respect around the league, I think it could be very positive for the organization."
Mark Madsen on potential replacement for Coach McHale
"
Sometimes you just need a change. Obviously Glen Taylor felt that very strongly. And so I buy into that now. Hopefully with that change we can rejuvenate, we can win some basketball games and we can take everything that Coach Wittman taught us and apply it. And we can take something new from Kevin McHale and apply that.
Mark Madsen
"Everyone knows Kevin left a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in this city, so there is a lot of love for him."
Forward Mark Madsen, who played with Garnett on his return to play in Minnesota
"Veteran Mark Madsen needs a root canal when he returns from Mankato to repair damage done when Kevin Love accidentally hit him in the mouth the first day the two worked out together at Target Center last month. Madsen needed 13 stitches and had a tooth loosened when Love's other arm struck him as Love attempted a dunk. When told Madsen should be introducing him to the NBA rather than the other way around, Love said: 'I didn't mean to, especially not on the first day. I felt bad. I called him up and apologized. He's probably one of the greatest guys in the league.'"
Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune (10/2/08)
"Chris Paul is someone who has totally changed the face and the style of the NBA game. It is amazing the way that a player who is about 6 feet tall can totally dominate the NBA game the way he does. "
Mark Madsen (9/24/2008)
"Mad Dog got Duncan a little frustrated. Mad Dog is not going to back down from anything. He goes out and plays hard."
Coach Randy Whitman on Mark Madsen's defense on the Spurs Tim Duncan (11/30/07)
"Ever since he started dating Adriana Lima, he's a new man. He's flying all over the court. He dunked! I've never seen him dunk."
Mark Madsen on Marco Jaric's new found zeal (11/27/07)
"I can see sometimes during play that he has limited range with it (shoulder). I’d like to see him get more range before we go forward."
Randy Whitman on Mark Madsen's prgress since injury (11/9/07)
"The coolest one to me was the Hagia Sophia Mosque. For one thousand years, it was actually the largest Christian Cathedral in the World. Then, it was taken over by the Ottoman Empire (I learned all of this from our guide today!) and converted into a Mosque. Today it is a museum! So it's been a Christian church three times (Replaced once then burned down a second time, finally rebuilt a third time), a mosque, and now it's museum! How cool is that!"
Mark Madsen in his blog from Turkey
"Mark is such a hard worker. When he didn't have to listen to a teaching point, he was running sprints on the sideline, doing defensive slides and a host of other things to make sure that he is in shape when his shoulder is ready to go. Even from the sidelines, he is a team leader."
Rob Babcock, Wolves Assistant GM, from Istanbul, Turkey
See MORE Quotes |
|
|
Trade...
Timberwolves send Mark Madsen to the Clippers
Four player deal
*Article: Timberwolves/Clippers 4-way deal |
| (MN 7/20/2009) Minnesota Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen says he has been traded along with Sebastian Telfair and Craig Smith to the Los Angeles Clippers for Quentin Richardson. Madsen says he spoke to his agent on Monday to confirm the deal, which was first reported by YahooSports.com. |
Wolves NBA Draft...
Timberwolves go after guards
Ricky Rubio top pick
*Article: Rubio may stay in Spain for a while |
(New York City 6/25/2009) On draft night, the Minnesota Timberwolves had four first round picks and two second round picks. The Wolves picked fifth and chose Ricky Rubio, an impressive 18-year old guard who plays in Spain. Rubio may or may not be available immediately due to some contract problems that are being worked out with Spain.
Minnesota also had the sixth pick, choosing point guard Johnn Flynn of Syracuse. That choice was followed by 18th choice point guard Ty Lawson of University of North Carolina, 29th choice shooting guard Wayne Ellington of University of North Carolina, 45th choice point guard Nick Calathes of Florida, and 47th pick power forward Hen Norel of the Netherlands.
Seth Stohs of the Star Tribune suggests that "the Wolves have Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington coming in for next season. They likely will both start alongside Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, and maybe Ryan Gomes. In another year, Rubio, Norel and two more first round picks can come in and continue the development." |
Coaching Change...
McHale out as Wolves Coach
New operations president decision
*Article: McHale will not return |
(MN 6/18/09) Kevin McHale will not return as Timberwolves coach next year according to David Kahn, new president of basketball operations for the Wolves. Kahn praised McHale as a "great man" who deserves respect. But offered no specific reasons during a press conference for his decision.
"This is going to be a transition period," said Kahn. "And with the changes that have occurred, and with the changes that are still going to come, it would have been difficult to put him in the middle of that again."
Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen said McHale will be sorely missed.
"Kevin McHale is a great coach," Madsen said in a phone interview from Salt Lake City. "I'm a little bit surprised by this news and I was hoping to play for him next season and I guess that's not going to happen now."
McHale had been the primary decision-maker on personnel matters since he was named vice president of basketball operations in 1995, forging a tight bond with owner Glen Taylor in the process.
"I know that David made a careful analysis and this decision was made with the best interests of the Minnesota Timberwolves in mind," Taylor said in a statement issued by the team. "I will be forever grateful for the work Kevin did in returning to his home state and assembling a team that made eight straight playoff appearances. Kevin brought an enormous amount of basketball talent and passion to our organization and I wish him nothing but the best."
Even while in the front office, McHale loved to work with players -- often staying late after practice to help post players from Garnett to Jefferson hone their inside games. He still enjoyed that aspect last season, though losing wore on him and he wasn't fond of the rigors of travel.
Several players remarked about the positive vibe McHale brought to the bench and expressed appreciation of his simpler strategy.
"I believe to my core that Kevin McHale has some enormous gifts and is a good human being who cares deeply about his players," Kahn said. "But I can also believe, at this present time, it was time to make a change." |
Season Finale...
Timberwolves finish season at home vs Kings
Craig Smith 18, Madsen start |
(MN 4/15/09 AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves finished their season losing to the Sacramento Kings 97-90. Craig Smith led the Wolves with 18 points.
McHale started veterans Brian Cardinal, Mark Madsen, Jason Collins, Mike Miller and Kevin Ollie to reward them for their consistent hard work and good attitudes in what has been a long, long season.
Minnesota has been without star forward Al Jefferson (knee) since the All-Star break and played the final nine games without second-leading scorer Randy Foye (hip). They still managed to win two more games than they did last season, but McHale has not said whether he will return as coach. |
New York visits...
Timberwolves defeat Nets 108-99
Miller 22 |
(MN 3/29/09) Playing more aggressively than he has in months, Mike Miller had 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to help the Minnesota Timberwolves snap a seven-game losing streak with a 108-99 victory over the fading Nets on Sunday. Ryan Gomes scored 21 and Kevin Love added 16 points and 11 boards for the Timberwolves.
That's definitely what we need," coach Kevin McHale said. "When Mike does that, it just opens up things for everybody else."
Mark Madsen played in the first quarter, but left the game with 3 fouls. |
At Home...
Timberwolves smite Bobcats 108-100
Love 22 |
(MN 3/14/09) "Our mindset today was if we aren't making the playoffs, then they're not," Randy Foye said after the Timberwolves handed the Bobcats their third-straight defeat, 108-100 on Saturday night.
Wolves rookie Kevin Love scored 22 points, Rodney Carney and Ryan Gomes added 21 each and Minnesota snapped a four-game losing streak to Charlotte.
Minnesota made 60 percent in the first half while building a 66-51 lead at the break that forced the Bobcats to play catch-up the rest of the way.
"We were making everything in the first half," Wolves coach Kevin McHale said.
Craig Smith had 15 points for the Timberwolves, who had 28 assists and committed only nine turnovers -- one more than their season low.
"We were moving the ball and everyone was making shots and we played great defense," said Foye, who finished with nine points after missing two games with hip and ankle injuries. |
At Home...
Timberwolves devour Grizzlies 104-79
Gomes 25 |
(MN 3/11/2009) Kevin Love had 19 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high four assists and the Timberwolves snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 104-79 victory against the Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Miller, who for reasons unknown has been a reluctant shooter most of the season, had 18 points and 11 rebounds and Ryan Gomes scored 25 for the Wolves.
"We played basketball like it was supposed to be played today," Miller said.
Mayo had 18 quiet points and Mike Conley Jr. had 17 for the lethargic Grizzlies, who trailed by 21 points after one quarter and lost for the 11th time in 12 games.
Looking disinterested for nearly the entire contest, the Grizzlies were outrebounded 48-28 and were blown out by a team that had lost its last 11 at home and was missing its top two players in Al Jefferson and Randy Foye. |
At Miami...
Timberwolves down Heat 111-104
Telfair 30, Gomes 20 |
(Miami 2/18/09) Sebastian Telfair had a career-high 30 points and eight assists, Ryan Gomes added 20 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves spoiled O'Neal's debut in Miami by hitting a season-high 14 3-pointers and beating the Heat 111-104 on Wednesday night.
Minnesota blew an 11-point lead with 10 minutes remaining, but recovered in time largely thanks to Telfair, who hit a 3-pointer with 1:26 left for a four-point lead -- and the Timberwolves held on to snap a five-game slide.
"I had everything going for me out there tonight," Telfair said. "Some nights are like that."
"The guys showed a lot of grit. The team found a way to hang in there," Minnesota coach Kevin McHale said. "They made runs at us but in the end we were able to withstand it. And had we not turned it over, then I think it wouldn't have been that close a game."
Minnesota shot 60 percent in the second half, and afterward, Telfair said something McHale said in a breakfast meeting Wednesday morning sunk in.
"He asked us if we were going to be pros or punks," Telfair said. "We decided to be pros." |
At New Orleans...
Jefferson suffers season ending injury as Hornets edge Wolves 101-97
Jefferson 25
• Article by Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune
• Jefferson season ending injury, SI.com |
(New Orleans 2/8/09) Timberwolves star center Al Jefferson was helped to the locker room late in Sunday's 101-97 loss at New Orleans with what the team called at first a twisted knee. He was re-examined this morning in the Twin Cities, and found to have a season-ending torn ACL. (See articles on the right.)
His right knee buckled when he landed on one leg after he tried to block a shot with 27.2 seconds remaining in a tied game. He later said he heard a "pop" in the knee. He also said it didn't feel as bad after the game as when he suffered a mildly sprained medial collateral ligament before training camp started last fall.
"You think the worst all the time," Jefferson said when asked his first thought after he landed on that knee. "Let's hope it's not as bad as it seemed. I couldn't put any pressure on it last time. This feels a lot better. It's nothing like it was last time. I'm going to try to not worry about it until I get my X-ray tomorrow."
He ended up collapsed on the court in front of the Hornets bench, where players from both teams gathered over him. Teammate Randy Foye immediately sought out a television on the press table to see a replay and had to be called over to the Wolves' huddle during the ensuing timeout.
Jason Collins and Mark Madsen supported Jefferson and helped him to the locker room. (See Zgoda) |
At Indianapolis...
Wolves down Pacers 116-111
Foye 19, Jefferson 15
• Box Score |
(Indianapolis 2/3/09 AP) -- Randy Foye scored 19 points, Sebastian Telfair and Ryan Gomes each scored 16 points and Kevin Love had 15 points and 11 rebounds as Minnesota beat Indiana 116-111 on Tuesday night.
Jefferson, who averages 23 points per game, had 12 points and 15 rebounds.
"They did a nice job of denying Al," Minnesota coach Kevin McHale said. "We were really trying to go through all our series of stuff trying to get Al the ball."
Minnesota has only eight wins this season when Jefferson hasn't at least tied for the team scoring lead, so he was happy to see his teammates share the scoring load. Seven Timberwolves scored in double figures, and every Minnesota player who entered the game scored at least seven points.
"When teams feel they have to do that to me, my teammates are going to step up," Jefferson said. "I have trust and confidence in my teammates to come and take over the game like they did tonight." |
At Boston...
Celtics over Wolves 109-101
Pierce 36, Jefferson 34
• Box Score |
(Boston 2/1/2009 AP) Boston extended its winning streak Sunday to 11 games with a 109-101 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kevin Garnett was home with the flu, while Paul Pierce scored 36 points.
Al Jefferson, the centerpiece of the trade that brought Garnett to Boston, scored 34 points for the Timberwolves, who lost their third in a row since winning 10 of 12. It's the 19th time he has scored at least 30 points in his career, the sixth since Dec. 20 and the first time he has done it in back-to-back games.
"It was to our advantage to have one less long guy playing in the paint and blocking shots," Jefferson said. "To come in here and do what I did today against a team like that -- even with KG out, it's still a great defensive team -- it means a lot."
Randy Foye had 21 points and nine assists, and Jefferson also had 11 rebounds -- the 26th double-double of the season for a player who was a surprise exclusion from this month's All-Star Game in Phoenix.
"He's coming along great. If you're not better at 24 than you were at 21, then you've got issues," Minnesota coach Kevin McHale said. "I told Al that he's going to make many All-Star Games, and he's going to take the place of some 17-year old when he doesn't deserve it." |
Wolves NBA best in New Year...
Jefferson and Gomes carry Wolves over Bucks 90-83
Jefferson 23, Gomes 22
• Box Score |
(Milwaukee 1/26/09) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves now have the best record in the NBA since January 1st at 10-2.
Al Jefferson had 23 points and 10 rebounds as he roamed the paint freely and Ryan Gomes added 22 points, lifting the Timberwolves over the Bucks 90-83. Jefferson thwarted the Bucks when it counted in the fourth quarter
"When they're missing their key guys, you've got guys who want to try to step up," Jefferson said. "They are the ones that you've really got to come out and jump on, kill their confidence early."
Instead, Jefferson waited until the end and helped snap a four-game losing streak in Milwaukee by thwarting a big Bucks run on a broken play and a pretty pass to Gomes.
"Jefferson is one of the best low-post players in the game," Bucks guard Luke Ridnour said. "He gets the ball where he wants and he's tough to defend."
Minnesota led 78-63 with just under nine minutes to play before the Bucks went on a 13-3 spurt. But Jefferson answered when the ball bounced off several hands to him before he grabbed it and scored on a strong inside move to make it 83-76.
"Big possession for us there, Al got in there, kind of a broken play. We designed a play, didn't run it very crisply, but Al got it, finished it off," McHale said. |
At Phoenix...
Foye basket lifts Wolves to 105-103 victory
Jefferson 22 points, Love 12 Boards
• Box Score |
(Phoenix 1/16/2009) Randy Foye made a 20-foot jumper with 1:58 remaining -- and one second left on the shot clock -- that propelled Minnesota to a 105-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Foye hit the basket despite being closely guarded by Jason Richardson.
"I knew the shot clock was running down and when ran out to me he got chest-to-chest and I just ripped it through," Foye said. "He's so long I had to fade away and I shot the ball. I just shot it high, followed through and it went all the way through the net."
Al Jefferson had 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead Minnesota, who bounced back from a loss on Tuesday to win for the sixth time in seven games.
"The guys have been battling and we've won a couple down the stretch," said Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale. "When you win a couple of them you know that you can." |
Heat visit...
Heat snap Wolves 5-game winning streak 99-96
Foye 29, Wade 31
• Box Score |
(MN 1.13.09) Dwayne Wade had 31 points and eight assists in a wildly entertaining duel with Randy Foye, and Shawn Marion hit the go-ahead free throws with 22 seconds left to lift the Miami Heat to a 99-96 victory over the Timberwolves.
Looking more and more like the clutch performer he was at Villanova, Foye went toe-to-toe with Wade and never backed down. He scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, but he couldn't get the Timberwolves their sixth straight victory.
Foye had a shot to take the lead after Marion's free throws, but Wade swatted the layup attempt away and Rodney Carney rushed a 3-pointer that was off the mark.
Spoelstra said Wade "had his hands full with Foye. Foye is a heck of a player."
The man who is earning the nickname "Fourth Quarter Foye" had one more chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but his 3-pointer was off the mark as his Wolves lost for the first time in 2009. He also finished with eight assists and five rebounds. |
Milwaukee visit...
Streaking Wolves undefeated in 2008; Top Bucks 106-104
Carney 22, Jefferson 20
• Box Score |
(MN 1/10/2009 AP) Their coach watched the final three quarters from the locker room after being ejected and their star player watched the last 90 heart-pounding seconds from the bench after fouling out. Yet in the most convincing sign that Minnesota is moving in the right direction, these young Timberwolves gritted their teeth, steeled themselves and got another win anyway.
Randy Foye scored 10 of his 11 points in the fourth quarter and the Timberwolves rallied from 13 points down in the second half for a thrilling 106-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. Coach Kevin McHale was ejected after the first quarter with two quick technicals by referee Sean Corbin and Al Jefferson fouled out with 1:29 to play and the Wolves clinging to a three-point lead.
"That just says that we're a team and we're starting to come together," Foye said. Rodney Carney scored 22 points, and Sebastian Telfair added 17 points and 11 assists for the Wolves, who have won five in a row for the first time since December 2005. |
Oklahoma City visit...
Timberwolves smash Thunder 129-87
Foye 32; 4th straight win
• Box Score |
(MN 1/7/09 AP) Randy Foye matched his career high with 32 points in just three quarters and the Wolves won their fourth straight game, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-87 on Wednesday night.
"It's just great to be talking about these wins," said Foye, who also had six assists in the second most lopsided victory in franchise history. "Early on we lost 13 in a row and I was getting tired of the same old broken record -- we're getting better, we're getting better. Now we're saying we're getting better and I know you guys can see it."
Al Jefferson added 21 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, which has won six of its last eight after that demoralizing 13-game skid dropped them to 4-23 on Dec. 23.
"They're confident and they're feeling good about playing basketball again," coach Kevin McHale said. "It's no fun when you're getting stomped." |
At New York...
Wolves over Knicks 120-107 for McHales first win
McCants 23, Jefferson 21
• Box Score |
(NY 12/26/2008) The Timberwolves snapped a 13-game losing streak and won for the first time this season under Kevin McHale, getting a season-best 23 points from Rashad McCants in a 120-107 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.
"The guys have been playing hard and we really needed this one," McHale said. "At the end of the game I said, 'Thank God,' and I meant it."
Jefferson added 21 points and 15 rebounds in the Timberwolves' first victory since beating Oklahoma City on Nov. 28. They had dropped their first eight games under McHale, who took over when Randy Wittman was fired Dec. 8.
"Anything worth having in life takes some faith," McHale said. "And when that faith happens, it's a beautiful thing. And they've got to have faith that when they go out and play hard, good things are going to happen for them."
Sebastian Telfair finished with a season-high 20 points in his hometown and Randy Foye had 19 for the Wolves, who overran New York by using the Knicks' primary weapon, the 3-pointer. They came in 28th in the league in 3-point percentage and were making 4.6 per game -- 6.0 fewer than New York's league-best average -- but made a season-best 13 in 24 attempts (54 percent). |
Cleveland here...
Cavs down Wolves 93-70
James 32, Jefferson 20
• Box Score |
(MN 12/17/08) LaBron James helped the Cavaliers return to their winning ways with 32 points that sent the Timberwolves to their 11th straight loss, 93-70 on Wednesday night.
"We've got to keep working at it. Nobody said it was going to be easy," said Al Jefferson, who had to work for his 20 points against Cleveland's interior defensive specialist, Ben Wallace.
Mike Miller was more aggressive than he's been for most games this season for Minnesota, finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds on 7-for-12 shooting and Kevin Ollie threw in 12 points against one of his many former teams. |
At Sacramento...
Kings beat Wolves 118-103
Jefferson 22, McCants 21
• Box Score |
(Sacramento 12/15/08) Francisco Garcia scored 21 points, John Salmons added 17 and Sacramento beat the woeful Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 in the Kings' first game under Kenny Natt, a longtime assistant to Jerry Sloan and Mike Brown who finally got his first chance to run a team.
Al Jefferson scored all of his 22 points in the first half for Minnesota in a meeting of struggling teams that both fired their head coaches in the past eight days. The Timberwolves dropped to 0-5 under Kevin McHale, who replaced Randy Wittman last week.
"Starting the second quarter, it seemed like we couldn't muster any energy," McHale said. "We started missing shots, and our energy got zapped. ... We looked like we started hanging our heads, and you can't have that." |
At Los Angeles...
Lakers over Wolves 98-86
Jefferson 20, Smith 18
• Box Score |
(LA 12/14/08) Kobe Bryant had 26 points and five assists, Pau Gasol added 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots, and the Lakers pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves 98-86 on Sunday night.
Al Jefferson had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead Minnesota, but he shot 8-of-24, missing 15 of his last 19 shots. Craig Smith added 18 points and eight rebounds, and Ryan Gomes scored 13 for the Timberwolves (4-19), who lost their ninth straight game and fourth in a row since Kevin McHale took over as coach last Monday.
"We were in a great position to win," Jefferson said. "I just missed a lot of shots. I think we just need to get that first win [under McHale] and everything else is going to fall into place for us." |
San Antonio...
Spurs down Wolves 98-86
Jefferson 29
• Box Score |
(MN 12/12/2008) The San Antonio Spurs relied on their defense to notch their fifth straight victory, 98-86 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Tim Duncan had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Ginobili added 16 points for the Spurs, who have their defensive mojo back and are rounding into form. Al Jefferson had 29 points and 13 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost eight in a row and three straight since Kevin McHale took over as coach on Monday.
"There are times when it's tough out there, man," McHale said. "Anybody's who has played a lot of years knows that it gets tough. You've got to work your way through it. That's what I keep on telling them." |
Coaching change...
McHale coaching debut spoiled by Jazz 99-96
Jefferson 21, Foye 17
• Box Score |
(MN 12/9/2008 AP) Rookie Kevin Love was dressing somberly in the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room, his back to a group of reporters getting ready to ask him about four crucial misses from the free-throw line down the stretch against Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. Then new coach Kevin McHale came up and gave him a hearty pat on the back and a nurturing squeeze of the neck, letting the 20-year-old know that all was not lost. Just one game.
"I told him we're going to be in a lot of battles and I'll go to battle with him any day of the week," McHale said after the Wolves lost 99-96 to the Jazz in his debut as coach.
And that appears to be the difference between the team's new coach and the fired Randy Wittman. The young Timberwolves staggered to a 4-15 start under the hard-nosed Wittman, including a lifeless 23-point loss to the dysfunctional Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.
On Monday, owner Glen Taylor fired Wittman, stripped McHale of his vice president of basketball operations title and installed the Hall of Famer as coach of the down-and-out team he assembled. For one game, at least, McHale seemed to inject some energy and heart into a team that has lacked both since a six-game losing streak started nine days ago.
"When I turned the ball over, I'm so used to coming out of the game," guard Rashad McCants said. "Then I looked over and saw him clapping and saying, 'Come on, get the next one.' It gives you confidence." Next on McHale's agenda should be teaching them how to shoot free throws. Mehmet Okur hit the go-ahead shot with 1.7 seconds to play and the Jazz capitalized on 16 missed free throws by Minnesota to rally for the victory.
Al Jefferson led Minnesota with 21 points. The Timberwolves led by seven with 2:45 to play |
Road win in Detroit...
Wolves down Pistons 106-80
Foye 23, Gomes 20
• Box Score |
(Detroit 11/23/08) Randy Foye had 23 points and a career-high 14 assists, and the Timberwolves beat the Detroit Pistons 106-80 for their first road victory of the season.
"Tonight showed what kind of player Randy can be," Minnesota coach Randy Wittman said. "We've been talking to him for the last two days, telling him that he needed to be more aggressive."
Foye attacked the basket and the slumping Timberwolves came alive.
"Everything seemed simple tonight," he said. "Coach told me to go for it, and there was a lot of energy out there."
Minnesota came into the game with a 2-9 record, including 0-5 on the road, and had just lost 95-78 to Boston on Thursday.
"We weren't happy with the way we lost to Boston, and we knew we were playing a similar team tonight," said Ryan Gomes, who scored 20 points. "Tonight, we did the job." |
Garnett returns...
Celtics defeat Wolves 95-78
Jefferson 23, Garnett 17
• Box Score |
(MN 11/21/08) In his first game on the court since being traded before last season, Garnett scored 17 points to help his Celtics cruise to a 95-78 victory Friday night. Every bucket he scored was cheered by the Timberwolves faithful who latched on to him as a skinny 18-year-old kid drafted in 1995 and still are coming to grips with the fact that he's now frolicking in greener -- literally and figuratively -- pastures.
"It's always good to go somewhere and feel the love in the building," Garnett said. "It's even better to win in the place I used to play. It was a good feeling. There was a lot of great energy in the building. I was just blessed that the people came out, so thank you, fans."
Al Jefferson scored 23 points for the Timberwolves. But he shot just 8-of-20 and the Timberwolves were shooting a jaw-dropping 23 percent heading into the fourth quarter before finishing at 31 percent. |
Philly...
Wolves break the ice with win over 76ers 102-96
Jefferson 25
• Box Score |
"It seems like 1,000 years," forward Craig Smith said.
Not anymore, thanks to Smith's superb effort off the bench and Al Jefferson's refusal to let his Timberwolves collapse in the fourth quarter again. Jefferson scored six of his 25 points in the final 3½ minutes to lift Minnesota to a 102-96 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, snapping an eight-game losing streak.
"I just had to take over," Jefferson said. "They just feed off me. I don't feel like I have to take every shot in crunch time, but the ball should go through me."
Mike Miller had 10 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Wolves, who won for the first time since the season opener against Sacramento. |
|
 |
From Mark's Blog..
NBA Players with Twitter.com Accounts
Names of players with accounts |
(3/13/09 From Mark's Blog..) Last weekend I was reading an article in the Wall Street Journal talking all about the new website: Twitter.com. NBA players are constantly in hotel rooms resting and sometimes watching CNN, Foxnews, or NBC. As a group, I must say that NBA players are *extremely up on current events and what's going on in the world. Even in the training room, it seems like CNN is always on! So recently, on a lot of these news shows, there's been mentions about Twitter.com. For example, after a feature about foreclosures or something there might be three websites listed on TV, including a Facebook page, a MySpace page and now a Twitter.com page!
I had no idea what Twitter was and so I decided to do some research and really figure it out. As I was checking on it I found someone's blog who pointed out that a bunch of NBA players have Twitter accounts. Then on my own I found some other NBA players with accounts. Some of the players are listed below. (Go to Mark's Blog..) |
From Mark's Blog..
What is a "flop"?...
Featuring videos on the blog |
(From Mark's Blog 3/7/09) There is a term in the National Basketball Association that some more casual fans do not know. The term is "flop" and some NBA players have perfected the skill into an art form. Some of the old battles between two great players (Shaq and Vlade Divac) included some pretty convincing flops by Vlade.
Now, the first time I ever heard this term, I was at an athletic club in Northern California called "ClubSport." I was on the court and NBA player David Wood (experienced NBA veteran and very involved with 'Athletes in Action') was on the court too working out with his trainer. We struck up a friendship and he gave me a lot of advice on how to play the game as I was heading to Stanford as a freshman to begin playing basketball and going to school.
He told me I needed to learn how to 'flop.' I had never heard of the term 'flop.' He explained that "flopping" is when you basically fake getting hit really hard so that the referee calls a foul on the other player. Nobody does this too much in high school because ironically most high school refs don't call it a lot. But a lot of players do it in college and in the NBA and refs in college and the NBA sometimes do call flops.
This past week, there was an incident when Stan Van Gundy (Orlando Magic Coach) called out Shaq for flopping. The incident was all over ESPN. Let's take a look at the play first on Youtube. (See Mark's Blog)
|
From Mark's Blog...
Catching up...
The winning streak |
(See Mark's Blog... 1/8/09) A four game win streak is not too bad at all. Since Kevin McHale took over, it has taken time for us to get his system and philosophy but I think that we are all finally starting to click. We are also building on the defensive principles and system that Randy Wittman put into place before the coaching change.
Tonight at the Target center, basketball was fun again. The fans were screaming, Randy Foye has 18 points in the first quarter and Al Jefferson continued to be the "Iron Man" that Don Nelson described him to be a week ago. If Al Jefferson does not make the All-Star game, then something is seriously wrong in this league. There are only three players in the league that can score down low the way Al can and it's Mr. Jefferson, Tim Duncan, and the Shaq Diesel.
In fact, it was Al Jefferson's birthday party on Sunday night a few days ago! He had the entire team over to his house and an amazing catered dinner along with some relaxation time where players and teammates shot the breeze, played pool and ate appetizers. Al had kevin Love get up and sing him happy birthday in front of all 40 people. Kevin Love ate it up and had a great time with going back and forth with his post player friend and mentor, the Big Al. McHale's coaching style reminds me a little bit of my first coach and NBA mentor, Phil Jackson. The one thing...(Continued on Mark's Blog) |
From Mad Dog Blog...
Shaq has landed in Minneapolis
Fitting into the Suns routine |
(See Mad Dog Blog 11/26/08) Most of our shoot around practice this morning covered how we were going to contain Shaq, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudamire.
The early part of this season was frustrating to say the least because we were ahead in many of our games going into the 4th quarter and then it seemed like somehow we disintegrated in the final minutes of the game. But finally a few days we had a breakout game in Detroit where our defense and our offense came together and we had a nice win.
People ask me about Shaq all the time and I just tell them that off the court, he's one of the most community oriented and genuine people but on the court he has a "mean streak" (in the positive sense of the word) as some basketball executive types like to say, meaning that he takes the game very seriously and he's going to do everything within the rules to dominate a game.
Of all the players in the NBA Shaq has a way of really being honest with reporters and connecting with the fans in a way that is rarely seen in any sport.
Continued on Mad Dog Blog... |
From Mad Dog Blog...
Best YouTube Video Ever
Chris Paul's missed free throw
• Chris Paul's 61 for Granddad |
(See Mad Dog Blog) This YouTube video about Chris Paul and his grandfather is one of the best features I have ever seen in my life. I watched this on ESPN a few months ago when Chris Paul's team was in the NBA playoffs. This story transcends the game of basketball.
Chris Paul is someone who has totally changed the face and the style of the NBA game. It is amazing the way (Continued on Mad Dog Blog.) |
From Mad Dog Blog...
Dusting off the keyboard
Mad Dog "meets" Kevin Love |
(From Mad Dog Blog) This past monday we had a bunch of the Timberwolves players in town all together to finally play some pickup ball together with a lot of the new guys. Yes, this was the first time that I got to meet Kevin Love. The man who used to terrorize my Stanford Cardinal basketball team in his one year at UCLA. Well, on the last play of the day, Kevin Love went up for a dunk. I tried to block it and the next thing I knew I was making two unexpected trips after practice.
1) To team physician Sheldon Burns (he is also the USA Basketball head physician) to get 12 stitches in my chin,
2) To visit Matthew Alm of Brookside Dental (Minneapolis), to get my front tooth popped back into place.
Thanks Kev. :)
I've played with two big men in my career whose passing skill is off the charts: Continued on Mad Dog Blog... |
From Hoopsworld...
Madsen named one of top 10 coaching prospects in NBA
Ability to motivate cited |
(See Hoopsworld, by Bill Ingram) The recent coaching controversies got us here at HOOPSWORLD thinking about the future, and who we might be watching today that could be the part of the next class of former players who become coaches. So I polled our team, which has been courtside for more games than not this season, and here are the results.
Darrell Armstrong, who spent most of his early career with the Orlando Magic and then moved on to Dallas and now New Jersey got the most votes from our team.
Eric Snow was second in our voting, which was partially inspired by Larry Brown's expressed desire to have him as part of his coaching staff in Charlotte this season.
Sam Cassell was next, owing to his continuous discussion of how much he wants to coach now that his playing days are nearly at an end.
The Duke connection brought us Shane Battier and Grant Hill. Both are as intelligent as they come, and have a great understanding of the fundamentals of the game.
Often times point guards make the best coaches because they've already spent a career running a team from behind the ball. Armstrong has already been mentioned, but the Lakers' Derek Fisher and San Antonio' Jacque Vaughn made our list.
A couple of guys who always seem to be in demand are Malik Rose and Mark Madsen. It's not that they bring amazing things to the basketball court, though they are both hustle guys. It's more that they bring intangibles off the court. They push their teammates, cheer them on, and set a great example with their work ethic. Players like that often find they can do the same thing from the bench . . .because that's where they've been doing most of their in-game work anyway.
And finally . . .the last pick was somewhat of a surprise to me, but it does make a degree of sense. Detroit's Rasheed Wallace has had the kind of career that young players will respect, and he has an amazing knowledge of the game.
Honorable mention: PJ Brown, Adonal Foyle, Pat Garrity, and Coby Karl. |
This summer...
Mad Dog Summer Basketball Camps at Area High Schools
Mark Madsen to personally conduct |
(MN 5/27/2008)
The Timberwolves announced today they will host eight coed youth basketball camps and the Lynx will host an all-girls camp in the Twin Cities metro area this summer.
Two-time NBA champ and Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen, former first-round NBA draft pick and Timberwolves assistant coach Ed Pinckney and Timberwolves radio voice Billy McKinney will co-host camps in select communities. Participating communities in the summer 2008 Timberwolves and Lynx Basketball Camp schedule include: St. Louis Park, Champlin, St. Paul, Bloomington, Osseo, Farmington, and Mahtomedi.
Tuition for each Timberwolves camp is $210 and includes five days of skill development instruction with at least three competitive games per day. Also included in the tuition cost is a reversible Wolves or Lynx practice jersey, a basketball, a Jay Wolf shooting strap, as well as four tickets to the 2008 Timberwolves home opener and four tickets to a select 2008 Lynx game. |
At Denver...
Nuggets down Timberwolves 118-95 on road
Ahearn 17, Foye 16
• Box Score |
(Denver 10/10/08) Rookie Kevin Love turned in a nine-point, 11-rebound game, while reserve Blake Ahearn finished with 17 points and Randy Foye chipped in 16 as the Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Denver Nuggest 118-95 in Denver. Al Jefferson grabbed 11 rebounds and scored 10 points for Minnesota (2-1), while Corey Brewer had 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter.
Brewer said he spent the majority of the summer working on getting his shooting touch back. This was a step in the right direction.
"I should get a lot of open shots this year and I have got to knock them down," he said.
"They were a little fatigued," Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman said of his team. "We played a little bit more their style than our style. We got caught up in their game." |
At Milwaukee...
Timberwolves blast Bucks 117-79 in preseason opener
McCants 22, Jefferson 18
• Game Details |
(Milwaukee 10/6/2008) Rookie Kevin Love scored 13 points and Mike Miller added 12, lifting the Timberwolves to a 117-79 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night that made Minnesota's draft day trade look promising. Al Jefferson chipped in 18 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes, and the new-look Timberwolves may have acquired enough offensive threats to improve on last season's 22-60 mark.
"I got my first airball (and) my first blocked dunk out of the way," Love joked. "The biggest thing for me was on defense -- knowing the different positions -- that was probably the biggest thing I've got to work on." |
2008 Season...
Timberwolves training camp opens
18 players on the list
• Final Intrasquad Boxscore |
(MN 10/1/08) The Minnesota Timberwolves began their training camp yesterday. Those listed were Blake Ahearn, G, Rafael Araujo, C, Calvin Booth, C, Corey Brewer, F/G, Brian Cardinal, F, Rodney Carney, G/F, Jason Collins, C, Randy Foye, G, Ryan Gomes, F, Al Jefferson, C/F, Kevin Love, F/C, Mark Madsen, F/C, Rashad McCants, SG, Mike Miller, G/F, Kevin Ollie, PG, Chris Richard, F/C, Craig Smith, PF, and Sebastian Telfair, PG.
The Timberwolves' 20th NBA season tipped off Monday with the team's annual Media Day. The first practice of training camp was Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Bresnan Arena on the Minnesota State University-Mankato campus.
A 6-11 center from BYU, Rafael Araujo joins the Wolves after spending the 2007-08 season with Spartak in the Russian Super League. Originally selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 8th overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft, Araujo has appeared in 139 career NBA games with Toronto and Utah, averaging 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. |
Thunder debut in Billings...
Timberwolves over Thunder 88-82 in low scoring tilt
McCants scores 13 in 4th quarter
• Box Score |
(Billings MT 10/8/2008) Rashad McCants scored 13 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and Rodney Carney and Ryan Gomes hit consecutive 3s to help Minnesota spoil the Oklahoma City Thunder's preseason debut with an 88-82 victory Wednesday night.
The game was the Thunder's first since the team moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City during the offseason.
The Thunder led 71-62 with 9:54 remaining, but McCants scored 11 of Minnesota's next 14 points, tying the score at 76 with a dunk with 4:45 remaining.
"I had a pretty rough first half," McCants said. "I really couldn't get it going. I got in foul trouble. My teammates carried me. I needed to get to the line a little bit more."
Two free throws by McCants and the consecutive 3s by Carney and Gomes gave the Wolves an 84-78 lead with 2:23 remaining. |
Training Camp...
Mad Dog the mentor
by Derek Wehrwein, The Reporter
• View entire article at The Reporter
• Pic: Mark in training camp
|
(Mankato 10/2/08) When Mark Madsen entered the NBA in 2000, he was able to learn from one of the best: Shaquille O'Neal.
Madsen is no Shaquille O'Neal, but he's no pushover, either. The 6-9 forward-center, nicknamed "Mad Dog," has since earned a reputation as one of the hardest working, most intense hustle players in his eight years in the league.
Now, he hopes to instill those same attributes in a young Minnesota Timberwolves squad that includes rookie center Kevin Love.
"We've got so many great players and great leaders on this team and I'm really just going to try to be a consistent influence by playing hard and take some of the younger guys under my wing," said Madsen, who won three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers before coming to Minnesota five years ago. "When I was a rookie I had Shaquille really mentor me and put me under his tutelage, and he taught me a lot, so I'm hoping I can share some of that same experience that I had coming into this league."
Continued at The Reporter... |
Timberwolves trade...
Mayo heads to Memphis, Love to Minnesota in blockbuster trade
O.J. Mayo selected in draft |
(MN 6/27/08) The Wolves have reached an agreement in principle with the Memphis Grizzlies that sends the draft rights to O.J. Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to the Grizzlies in return for the draft rights to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins. The blockbuster deal for both teams wasn't completed until past 2 a.m. ET, some two hours after Boston made the 60th and final pick of the draft, according to The Associated Press.
ESPN.com reported on Tuesday that Wolves GM Kevin McHale was infatuated with Love, but felt that the team had to select Mayo and use him to acquire more assets. Love, a fundamentally-sound post player, should mesh well with the Timberwolves' budding star Al Jefferson. |
Windy City...
Timberwolves come back to beat Bulls 96-86
Jefferson 13, McCants 12
• Box Score
• Mark Madsen Pic |
(Chicago 10/14/08) Corey Brewer scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half, and the Minnesota Timberwolves shook off poor early shooting and beat the Chicago Bulls 96-86 Tuesday night in a preseason game. The Timberwolves (3-1) made just five of 20 shots (25 percent) in the opening quarter but ended up with six players in double figures.
Brewer also had a game-high nine rebounds for Minnesota. Al Jefferson scored 13 points, Rashad McCants had 12, forward Ryan Gomes added 11 and forwards Craig Smith and Kevin Love each scored 10. |
At Toronto...
Timberwolves beat Raptors 90-86
Gomes 17, Ahearn 15
• Box Score |
(Toronto 10/17/2008) After another energetic performance from his backups, Minnesota coach Randy Wittman isn't sure who he wants to start in the regular season. Ryan Gomes scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, and Blake Ahearn added 15 points to help the Timberwolves beat the Toronto Raptors 90-86 on Thursday night.
"Our first unit has to play better," Wittman said. "If it wasn't for our second unit tonight, we don't win the game."
If the regulars don't stop taking too many jumpers and passing up opportunities to penetrate, Wittman said he's willing to make changes.
"We've got spots open on this team," Wittman said. "I don't know who the starting lineup is going to be Oct. 29. That's what these guys are playing for. This is preseason, but it's important, because we're trying to solidify what we want to be doing when it comes to Opening Night." |
At home...
Bulls down Wolves 85-75
Jefferson 19. McCants 19
• Madsen picture
• Box Score |
(MN 10/22/08) Larry Hughes dislocated his right shoulder in the third quarter of the Bulls' 85-75 preseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. He joins Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Michael Ruffin for Chicago on the sidelines.
Al Jefferson and Rashad McCants both scored 19 points, with McCants tallying 11 straight in the third quarter to help the Timberwolves claw within four after trailing by double digits most of the game. McCants' three-pointer pulled Minnesota to 74-73 with 7:42 to play, but Chicago scored the next seven points to put the game out of reach. Randy Foye chipped in 12 points for Minnesota.
"The good thing about tonight is that it's over," Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman said. "You're going to have nights where you don't get a bounce or a layup."
The Timberwolves shot just 19 percent in the first quarter and 32.5 percent for the game. The loss in their Target Center preseason debut snapped a three-game winning streak. |
At home...
Timberwolves squeeze past Denver 111-107
Gomes 20, Miller 17
• Box Score |
(Bismark, N.D. 10/19/08) -- Kevin Ollie made four free throws in the final 16 seconds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 111-107 preseason victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Ryan Gomes scored 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field for the Timberwolves (5-1). Mike Miller had 17 points, Al Jefferson added 15, Craig Smith 13 and Randy Foye 12. Foye also had 15 assists.
"Miller and Gomes had the hot hands," Denver coach George Karl said. "I thought some of that was our fault and some of it was they are very talented shooters."
"That was probably the best start we've gotten off to all season," Wittman said. "We executed our offense well, and we were shooting the ball well." |
At Oklahoma...
Thunder over Wolves 88-85
Durrant 18, Jefferson 24
• Box Score |
(OK 11/2/08) The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-85 Sunday night for their first victory in their new home. Kevin Durrant scored 18, Russell Westbrook scored 14 in the victory.
Minnesota's Al Jefferson had 24 points and 13 rebounds for his third straight double-double to start the season, but the Thunder clamped down late on him. Craig Smith added 13 points, Gomes scored 12 and Mike Miller had 10.
"It's a game we're supposed to have won," Jefferson said. "We gave up 25 points second-chance. That's why it hurts so bad. ... No disrespect to the Thunder, but it was just a game we had in the bag and we should have won." |
Dallas visits...
Mavs down Wolves 95-85
McCants 18, Jefferson 14, Miller 13
• Box Score |
(MN 11/1/08) Rashad McCants led Minnesota with 18 points while Al Jefferson scored 14 and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 95-85 Saturday night.
"It's just a matter of trusting at both ends of the floor," Minnesota coach Randy Wittman said. "And when we do that, we're pretty good. And when we don't, we look really, really bad."
The Mavericks outscored Minnesota 13-0 early in the first quarter, forcing the younger, less-experienced Wolves to play catch-up for most of the game. The Wolves steadily climbed their way back into the game by forcing the fast-tempo Mavericks into a half-court offense and outworking their opponents in the paint. Starting late in the first quarter, Minnesota scored 36 straight points either from the paint or the free throw line.
"In the half court we did a good job, then in transition, that's where we lost the game," Ryan Gomes said. |
Home opener...
Wolves edge Kings 98-96 to open season
Jefferson 21, McCants 15
• Box Score |
(MN 10/29/08) Minnesota rookie Kevin Love had 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes and Al Jefferson had 21 points and 10 rebounds to help the Timberwolves to a 98-96 victory over the rebuilding Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
"It's the start of my dream, to tell you the truth," Love said. "It was a dream to play in college, but this is something I've been working on my whole life, to get into the NBA in big arenas like this, big crowds and getting our first win."
Minnesota coach Randy Wittman showed a lot of faith in the fifth overall pick from UCLA who was acquired with Mike Miller in a draft-night trade that sent O.J. Mayo to Memphis. Though Love didn't get the start, he was inserted with the offense growing stagnant in the fourth quarter, and immediately made a difference. With the Wolves clinging to an 81-80 lead, Love threw down a dunk to get the crowd going, then made a pretty little baby hook shot and converted the three-point play to give Minnesota a 90-84 lead with 6:17 to go. |
Last preseason game...
Wolves over Bucks 95-76
Jefferson 19, Love 14
• Box Score |
(MN 10/23/08) Kevin Love had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Al Jefferson added 19 points to lead Minnesota to a 95-76 exhibition victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Love missed nine of 10 shots and scored just four points in Minnesota's loss to Chicago on Wednesday night, the Wolves' preseason home opener.
"To have a game like that you're first game out, people were probably thinking, 'Geez, what'd we get into?" Love said. "I had never played that bad before. I just had to bounce back."
Love led a second-half surge as Minnesota outscored Milwaukee 27-15 in the fourth quarter to finish the preseason 6-2. Milwaukee (1-6) will close its exhibition schedule Friday night at Chicago. Minnesota trailed by as many as 10 in the first quarter and 13 in the second, but fought back to grab a 68-61 lead by the end of third. |
|
|
|
