For basketball fans, there is nothing like this time of year. For us here in the den of the Timberwolves, spring is in the air, warmer temperatures and basketball is everywhere you turn.
I found myself diving in, head first, while working out of the home office and by chance, turning away from a teleconference to turn on the TV. There was North Carolina beating Pitt then Duke falling to Notre Dame. Great games, remarkable passion and determination and outstanding dedication. And it’s just starting!
This time of year brings out even more from these great teams, from prep to college, with the run to Championship hardware. If you played sports, even recreationally in your youth (and you didn’t have to play at the highest level), the feel of tournaments and must-win games is something that never leaves you. Even as you are working from your home office dealing with call after call and check lists and to-do’s. It is simply an amazing vibe.
So, pick your team. Get your brackets ready. Embrace the beauty that is this sport. THIS is a great time of year….and for me, it’d be even better if our home teams were more of a factor. Soon. We can only hope.
State Of Game continued:
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The Wolves are in Oklahoma on Friday to go after the former Sonics-turned-Thunder. With high school hoops taking over Target Center for the next 10-days (boys and girls state finals), the Wolves dig into an eight day, 4-game run. The Wolves have been running on fumes with two back-to-back sets of games and lots of travel. No rest for a weary basketball team and it doesn’t get any easier.
These are two teams headed in vastly different directions. The Wolves clearly building for the future while OKC is fighting for its championship life. Not that they are in danger of missing the post season but rather, if they get in, how deep can they play? There is mass conversation surrounding OKC’s firepower beyond All Star’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
My observation last week was that OKC seems to be running on fumes. Well, since then, the Thunder have strung together back to back wins including an impressive “W” over the Clippers. Still, hoop insiders speculate on this team as I have. That is, the Thunder have a new coach, two superstars and a predictable game and there is not much more beyond that window.
Make no mistake, this game means a ton to both teams. The Wolves have played OKC so tough this season in losing three games by an average of less than 10-points a game. But beating these guys ain’t easy. OKC is one of the Wolves toughest opponents in that they’ve beaten Minnesota 24 of the last 27-meetings. THAT has to change but it’s brutal to match up with Durant and Westbrook. Man.
From the Wolves vantage point, it’d be sweet to pluck their first win against OKC since November 2008. And make it that much tougher as OKC drives to the post season.
With the fourth best record in the NBA, Oklahoma City is in a dogfight for the Western Conference’s third seed now that the LAClippers are just two-and-a-half games behind them. Wins
take care of all of that. But wins also prepare OKC for eventual run-ins with beasts Golden State and San Antonio. Getting past those two teams in the post-season will be a herculean task. So, OKC has to win games like this against Minnesota to figure out their friction. And make a title push.
Say What Rod?!
I particularly enjoyed a few biting e-mails this week. May I share? Here we go.
Daniel (region not indicated) dropped this earlier this week. “Rod, I’m a big basketball fan but I really have issue with your take on the Timberwolves. You clearly drink the Minnesota Kool-Aid about this team. They are one of the NBA’s bad teams and will stay there. No leadership. No hope. Stuck in losing and just like so many other NBA teams. I’d suggest you attempt writing non-fiction than this dreamy stuff you jot now. Not trying to be nasty but really.
Daniel went on to add that he’s a hockey and football fan and hasn’t been to an NBA game in years. Believe it or not, I get plenty of this kind of note. But I have no problem telling you he’s way off base. Perhaps frostbite from too much time visiting the neighborhood ice rink (that is melting).
I know that in NBA executives in front offices found in Philadelphia, the Lakers, Phoenix and even Brooklyn would love to have the Wolves trifecta of KAT, Wigg and Z (Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zack LaVine) on their roster. The Wolves are playing better than last season. Look at the big picture.
If you think about it, this is a season that started off the tracks with the passing of its Captain, the Franchise guide Flip Saunders. Wins and losses, veteran departures and buy-outs, young Wolves players and situational learning, on the job. Daniel thanks for your note but I’m good. The Wolves future is bright and the future is safe with that trifecta. It’s not too late, jump on board and get on the team.
Wolves @ Fingertips!
If you don’t have it, download this basketball fan must-have! The Wolves mobile app gives fans instant access to exclusive Wolves content and live game coverage. Fans can download the free app on iOS and Android devices by visiting Timberwolves.com/mobile.
The official Timberwolves app offers fans the ability to follow live game content including the score, stats, shot charts and related social media conversations via the Game Tracker. The
app also allows fans to seamlessly check the team’s schedule, roster and conference standings. Fans on the go can stay engaged and updated with the team by accessing Wolves articles, photo galleries and original videos through the app. New features including ticket sales integrations, fan experience modules, exclusive membership content and more will be added to the app in the near future. The app is another step the Wolves have taken to accommodate the continued growth of mobile web use.
Got something to say?!
If you are a serious Timberwolves fan (and even the casual fan is allowed), drop me a note with your thoughts. Write me at rod@gameONtvMN.com.
SimonsSays on TV/PODcast:
I’d love for you to catch my TV show GameON!. GameON! is well into its 4th season and continues to showcase the Timberwolves like no other broadcast show in the region. GameON! is powered by Birch’s at Long Lake, its broadcast in High Definition and can be found on ITunes, on demand via our new GameON! App (free and available for Apple/Android) and online @ www.gameontvmn.com. Don’t miss an episode of the Emmy winning GameON! @ 10am this Sunday morning on FOX’s My29 and throughout the weekend regionally on MidCo Sports Net. We’d love for you to “like” us on Facebook @ GameOnTvMN.GameON! is also seen in North & South Dakota and Western Minnesota on MidCo SportsNet several times a weekend. We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com. We talk Wolves. Every day. High’s & lows. We’re there because we’re fans, just like you! Keep your GameON! See you soon!
