Wolves / NBA:

[rowshkex]

Is there bit of a buzz with the Wolves .. Adelman, Rubio, Williams and Love. Target Center could be fun this year??

I have to say that I find myself actually being interested in watching them tonight.

EDIT: And then I heard the Wolves PA announcer. What a giant tool.

If you're talking about Tom Hanneman, I hate you.

[Slap Shot]

Thought Love was fouled on that 3 attempt to tie.

[Bushwood Gopher]

Is there bit of a buzz with the Wolves .. Adelman, Rubio, Williams and Love. Target Center could be fun this year??

I have to say that I find myself actually being interested in watching them tonight.

EDIT: And then I heard the Wolves PA announcer. What a giant tool.

If you're talking about Tom Hanneman, I hate you.

Public Address announcer. Tom Hanneman is the tv announcer.

[Chris Eckes]

The wolves are actually really fun to watch this season. I can't wait until they let the "second team" start - Rubio, Barea, Beasley/Johnson, Williams, Love. That's a young, exciting team. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think the future of the Wolves is brighter than the future of the Twins

[Dances With Gophers]

Wolves come back and almost upset the Heat, 0-3 so far, but they've been in every game (I think).

Rubio looked decent last night.

[Slap Shot]

That non-charge call against LeFraud was brutal.

[Hobey Baker]

Who has seen Rubio live? What did you like? What surprised you? What does he need to work on?

I will admit that he has been a lot of fun to watch so far!

[Beauner]

Who has seen Rubio live? What did you like? What surprised you? What does he need to work on?

I will admit that he has been a lot of fun to watch so far!

I've seen him a few times on TV. I love his court vision. His assist total is near the top in the NBA right now (I think he is 7th in APG) and is only playing like 29 minutes/game. I think as his teammates get used to looking for the passes from him more, his numbers will only increase. Right now he looks like the real deal.

I wish they would use Derrick Williams more. That kid can ball.

[Beauner]

I know nobody cares about the NBA or the Wolves but that game tonight was fantastic.
Down 15 in the second half, we came back and won. Rubio (1/11 from the field tonight) hit the game-tying 3 and then Kevin Love hits the GW 3 at the buzzer against the LA Clippers.

[Hammy]

Wolves should hire a shooting coach. The only major weakness in Rubio's game is his jump shot. That comes down to practice... repetition... over and over again until it becomes second nature. Get his made shots to about 45% FG percentage and that kid is going to be unstoppable.

[Bushwood Gopher]

Wolves should hire a shooting coach. The only major weakness in Rubio's game is his jump shot. That comes down to practice... repetition... over and over again until it becomes second nature. Get his made shots to about 45% FG percentage and that kid is going to be unstoppable.

Shooting is way more a function of innate ability than it is repetition. Most of the guys are now what they are going to be for their careers. You can certainly become "rusty" and get to be a poorer shooter by not maintaining practice reps, but it rarely works in the opposite direction. Maybe a little bit with free throw shooting. Where the shot is stationary, is always taken from the identical spot on the court and is very much a muscle memory response. Even that has its limits though in terms of improvement. Shaq had a free throw shooting coach his entire career and was pretty much as poor of a FT shooter nearing his retirement as he was when he first came into the league.

[Chris83]

I know nobody cares about the NBA or the Wolves but that game tonight was fantastic.
Down 15 in the second half, we came back and won. Rubio (1/11 from the field tonight) hit the game-tying 3 and then Kevin Love hits the GW 3 at the buzzer against the LA Clippers.

They have better players and a REAL coach now. Doesn't hurt that Chris Paul was out and Mo Williams got ejected, but hey, coming from 15 down on the road against a good team is nothing to sneeze at.

[Beauner]

Wolves should hire a shooting coach. The only major weakness in Rubio's game is his jump shot. That comes down to practice... repetition... over and over again until it becomes second nature. Get his made shots to about 45% FG percentage and that kid is going to be unstoppable.

Shooting is way more a function of innate ability than it is repetition. Most of the guys are now what they are going to be for their careers. You can certainly become "rusty" and get to be a poorer shooter by not maintaining practice reps, but it rarely works in the opposite direction. Maybe a little bit with free throw shooting. Where the shot is stationary, is always taken from the identical spot on the court and is very much a muscle memory response. Even that has its limits though in terms of improvement. Shaq had a free throw shooting coach his entire career and was pretty much as poor of a FT shooter nearing his retirement as he was when he first came into the league.

To be fair, before last night's 1/11 effort he was shooting close to 43% from the field and over 40% from beyond the arc.
He's still shooting 39.6% from the field. For a guard who shoots a lot of longer shots, 40% isn't too bad. Especially as a rookie that "can't shoot" like him. His shooting percentage right now is higher than Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker, the guys who were supposed to be the best shooters in this most recent draft class.

[Bushwood Gopher]

Wolves should hire a shooting coach. The only major weakness in Rubio's game is his jump shot. That comes down to practice... repetition... over and over again until it becomes second nature. Get his made shots to about 45% FG percentage and that kid is going to be unstoppable.

Shooting is way more a function of innate ability than it is repetition. Most of the guys are now what they are going to be for their careers. You can certainly become "rusty" and get to be a poorer shooter by not maintaining practice reps, but it rarely works in the opposite direction. Maybe a little bit with free throw shooting. Where the shot is stationary, is always taken from the identical spot on the court and is very much a muscle memory response. Even that has its limits though in terms of improvement. Shaq had a free throw shooting coach his entire career and was pretty much as poor of a FT shooter nearing his retirement as he was when he first came into the league.

To be fair, before last night's 1/11 effort he was shooting close to 43% from the field and over 40% from beyond the arc.
He's still shooting 39.6% from the field. For a guard who shoots a lot of longer shots, 40% isn't too bad. Especially as a rookie that "can't shoot" like him. His shooting percentage right now is higher than Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker, the guys who were supposed to be the best shooters in this most recent draft class.

Oh, I agree with you completely. I think he's surprised a lot of people with how well he's played, and even with how well he's shot the ball so far.

[jpeters84]

Not to be that guy but WHO CARES! IT'S HOCKEY DAY MINNESOTA! Do us all a favor and send them packing!

[psych]

Not to be that guy but WHO CARES! IT'S HOCKEY DAY MINNESOTA! Do us all a favor and send them packing!

[dxmnkd316]

Not to be that guy but WHO CARES! IT'S HOCKEY DAY MINNESOTA! Do us all a favor and send them packing!

Congrats. You're that guy.

[Hobey Baker]

The best thing about Rubio is that he wants to distribute the ball. Shooting has to get better with time and practice. You are going to be able to attract or draft another scorer, especially if Love signs his deal.

[Hammy]

I don't believe the idea that repetition and practice won't make you a better shooter. That's like saying you don't need to practice your golf swing because you either have a good one or you don't. I recognize that improvement is going to be relative to some of the God given gifts you have (coordination, etc) but I just don't believe that consistent practice won't do much for you.

[Hammy]

The best thing about Rubio is that he wants to distribute the ball. Shooting has to get better with time and practice. You are going to be able to attract or draft another scorer, especially if Love signs his deal.

I agree... Rubio is the kind of guy that will attract more guys to MN despite the crap winters. He'll make some guys look really good. I recall when Steph Marbury's passing made Dean Garrett look like a damn all star back in the day.

[dxmnkd316]

The best thing about Rubio is that he wants to distribute the ball. Shooting has to get better with time and practice. You are going to be able to attract or draft another scorer, especially if Love signs his deal.

I agree... Rubio is the kind of guy that will attract more guys to MN despite the crap winters. He'll make some guys look really good. I recall when Steph Marbury's passing made Dean Garrett look like a damn all star back in the day.

I don't think this mild winter could have come at a better time. Reel him in. Make it think it's better than it actually is. Bwa hahahahahaha.

[Handyman]

I agree... Rubio is the kind of guy that will attract more guys to MN despite the crap winters. He'll make some guys look really good. I recall when Steph Marbury's passing made Dean Garrett look like a damn all star back in the day.

Hah...I remember those days too!

Steph screwed up a good thing...let's hope Rubio doesnt do the same.

[Hobey Baker]

Deja vu???

Saunders fired by Washington and replaced by Wittman.

[frozen4champs]

Wolves & Love agree to 4 year $62 million contract per PP.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_19812888?source=rss

[Hobey Baker]

Wolves & Love agree to 4 year $62 million contract per PP.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_19812888?source=rss

Not done yet!!!

[Beauner]

Deal is finalized.
4 years, 60+ million. 4th year is a player option, meaning Kevin can become a FA after 3 years if he doesn't like the direction of the team.
Team keeps their "Designated Player" option free by not signing him to a 5 year extension.

[Hobey Baker]

Deal is finalized.
4 years, 60+ million. 4th year is a player option, meaning Kevin can become a FA after 3 years if he doesn't like the direction of the team.
Team keeps their "Designated Player" option free by not signing him to a 5 year extension.

This deal looks better short term for the Wolves ... the 3rd year opt out is going to be an issue if things don't go as well as planned.

[Beauner]

Deal is finalized.
4 years, 60+ million. 4th year is a player option, meaning Kevin can become a FA after 3 years if he doesn't like the direction of the team.
Team keeps their "Designated Player" option free by not signing him to a 5 year extension.

This deal looks better short term for the Wolves ... the 3rd year opt out is going to be an issue if things don't go as well as planned.

I think it could end up being good for both sides.
Love gets the option to leave if the team sucks in 3 years, but the Wolves retain the option to sign Rubio to the 5 year 80 million dollar exception that Westbrook just got if he turns into the star we think he will be. If we had signed Love to that deal, we wouldn't be able to sign Rubio to that and IMO, Rubio will be more important than Love in the long run. The team probably isn't going to win any titles if Kevin Love is their best player. If he's their 2nd best player then we have a good chance to do some damage. You don't pay your 2nd best player max contracts. It was a smart move for the future, especially if they continue to make progress and Love likes what he sees.

[Slap Shot]

They should have locked up Love because there's no guarantee Rubio will re-sign. But if they have Love locked there's more reason for a key FA to want to sign the next few years and if Rubio wants to leave you at least have Love to entice another player or can use him in a trade.

[Handyman]

I would think, without any sort of knowledge on this stuff, that if they dont give Rubio a max deal he wont stay. Since after the third year they can renegotiate with Love (or 4th if he opts in) he can still get another big contract.

The key to this is both of them...neither one alone is good enough to make the team great or get FAs here. Together though that is a nice young nucleus.

[Sioux/Bucky Hater]

I like the deal. I think it is a win win for both sides. The problem is in three years they could lose Rubio, Love, Adelman...all at the same time. That would put them back to where they were last year. I hope this team doesn't have to start over every few years. It would be cool if they were actually competative. With what they have right now, they are on the verge. It sure would be nice to get a real wing (read scorer). If Beasley could consistently get his head out of his arse, it would be awesome. Then they concentrate on a big man. Granted, the bigs have been playing a little better as of late. However, I don't believe they are talented or motivated enough to sustain that punch.

[Beauner]

I would think, without any sort of knowledge on this stuff, that if they dont give Rubio a max deal he wont stay. Since after the third year they can renegotiate with Love (or 4th if he opts in) he can still get another big contract.

The key to this is both of them...neither one alone is good enough to make the team great or get FAs here. Together though that is a nice young nucleus.

Agreed on all counts.
This deal allows the Twolves to use the rookie exception on Rubio that would have gone to Love (the deal Westbrook got for OKC--5 years 80 million) and still allows the Wolves to offer big-time money to Love in 4 years if he stays around. Kind of like what Miami did with LeDouche James, Douchewyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. If Love decides to sign another extension 4 years from now, he could end up getting in the 5 year-90 million dollar range to go along with Rubio's 5 year 80 million dollar deal.

This team needs both of these guys to become a championship contender in the next few years. Love has the rebounding knack that hasn't been seen by a guy his size since Rodman, except he's about 11908741923741 times better as a scorer. Rodman was usually the 3rd best player on the Bulls championship teams behind Pippen and MJ. If Rubio and Love become the two best players on the team and we get Derrick Williams to develop to the 3rd best player, and get another piece (a good shooting guard that can handle the ball and fits our system) our team becomes very dangerous. Especially if Darko and Pekovich can continue to play better.

In the last week or so, I was talking to a couple friends about a possible trade for the Wolves and mentioned how I'd love to see either J.J. Redick (Orlando) or Evan Turner (Philadelphia) wearing a Timberwolves jersey. They are both likely to be able to come here for a combination of Beasley + another player. Both would fit the Wolves system. Redick is a great shooter and pretty good ball-handler. Evan Turner is a great ball-handler and has been playing extremely well lately, finally coming through on the promise he showed at Ohio State. If the Wolves got Evan Turner we could do some real damage with a lineup of Rubio-Turner-Williams-Love-Darko in the future.

[rowshkex]

Not sure where else to put this...

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/139573378.html

[Tee09]

somebody's going to get fired for that, but it was pretty funny.

[Armadillo]

The funny thing is, in order for Jeremy Lin to be a big deal for any kind of racial thing, we have to pretend that Yao Ming never happened. "First American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent." Talk about getting overly specific.

That being said, the dude's fun as hell to watch, and I HATE the NBA.

[Sioux/Bucky Hater]

Since my comment a few weeks ago about the Puppies getting/finding real production from a big man, Pek has been a beast. Think he reads GPL? Whatever happened to him is really working. What happened to Darko? Who cares. If the Godfather can sustain this type of protection, Wolves fans have something they haven't seen since Randy Bre..., Um Luc Long..., Ah Felton Spen..., well, it sure would be nice.

BTW - Rubio's one dribble, behind the back, no look, with spin, bounce pass, off the scramble to Love was a thing of beauty last night.

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

somebody's going to get fired for that, but it was pretty funny.

In what way are racial slurs funny? Please elaborate.

[rowshkex]

somebody's going to get fired for that, but it was pretty funny.

In what way are racial slurs funny? Please elaborate.

It's funny in this way:

[Armadillo]

somebody's going to get fired for that, but it was pretty funny.

In what way are racial slurs funny? Please elaborate.

It's funny in this way:

Pretty much.

One route of comedy is to make people uncomfortable. Not many faster ways to do that than to use language that has been deemed "verboten."

For reference, I cite George Carlin's "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television."

[dxmnkd316]

somebody's going to get fired for that, but it was pretty funny.

In what way are racial slurs funny? Please elaborate.

Dear God... Lighten up.

[Armadillo]

Not sure where else to put this...

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/139573378.html

ESPN fired the headline writer, and suspended an ESPNNews anchor for using the phrase "chink in the armor" during an interview about Jeremy Lin. Absolute f'n madness.

http://frontrow.espn.go.com/2012/02/follow-up-statement-and-action/

Don't read the comments section if you feel like I do about this. Your head will melt.

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

Pretty much confirms my initial thought that whoever wrote the headline knew what he was doing and thought it would be funny.

The headline writer deserved to be fired. Not for writing the headline but for being so stupid as to not realize the aftermath that was sure to follow.

[Bigbeer]

somebody's going to get fired for that, but it was pretty funny.

In what way are racial slurs funny? Please elaborate.

It's funny in this way:

It's funny cause people take themselves way too seriously. Why would you let what some moron says define you as a person?

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

Walk up to the next Chinese guy you see and call him a chink. When he starts kicking your ass, calmly ask him why he's taking himself so seriously.

[dxmnkd316]

Walk up to the next Chinese guy you see and call him a chink. When he starts kicking your ass, calmly ask him why he's taking himself so seriously.

Walk up to a white guy and call him a wonky or a cracker. He'll look at you weird, probably walk away. *yawn*

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

You compare apples and oranges often, dx?

[Bigbeer]

Walk up to the next Chinese guy you see and call him a chink. When he starts kicking your ass, calmly ask him why he's taking himself so seriously.

If I did that in this scenario I would be the "moron". Why would I do that? When you let someone get to you, whether they be racist or just calling you an a-hole, you give them the power. I don't let anyone else influence my actions (except my wife, it seems).

[dxmnkd316]

You compare apples and oranges often, dx?

Oh please. They aren't different. Not by a long shot.

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

Tell me about one period in American history in which white people have been considered second class citizens with fewer rights than minorities. If you can do that, I'll agree with you.

[dxmnkd316]

Tell me about one period in American history in which white people have been considered second class citizens with fewer rights than minorities. If you can do that, I'll agree with you.

Only white people can be racists. Got it.

[Chris83]

Meanwhile, back to the Wolves/NBA...sorry, I got nothing. Just trying to build a fire break on these posts.

[psych]

Meanwhile, back to the Wolves/NBA...sorry, I got nothing. Just trying to build a fire break on these posts.

Knicks beat the Mavericks today. I must say, I was actually entertained. Never thought I would say that about an NBA game, much less a regular season one. I forgot that the Knicks have Jared Jeffries, who played for IU in their '02 title game season. Lin looked great, except he has the tendency to lose control of the ball, which has caused a LOT of TOs, when he drives the basket.

[Tee09]

Meanwhile, back to the Wolves/NBA...sorry, I got nothing. Just trying to build a fire break on these posts.

Knicks beat the Mavericks today. I must say, I was actually entertained. Never thought I would say that about an NBA game, much less a regular season one. I forgot that the Knicks have Jared Jeffries, who played for IU in their '02 title game season. Lin looked great, except he has the tendency to lose control of the ball, which has caused a LOT of TOs, when he drives the basket.

So you're saying the Asian guy is a bad driver now, Psych? RACIST!

[jallengarry]

Walk up to the next Chinese guy you see and call him a chink. When he starts kicking your ass, calmly ask him why he's taking himself so seriously.

Walk up to a white guy and call him a wonky or a cracker. He'll look at you weird, probably walk away. *yawn*

What do you think explains the difference Dx??? Right....it's all in how it's received based on how seriously the other person let's people define them. Got it. People should be able to say what they want and it shouldn't bother others. I like this...I'm gonna go into work tomorrow and tell my hot boss what a great rack she has. Hell, I know it wouldn't bother me if someone complemented me on my looks.

You're THAT guy at that necessitates all the boring diversity training at work aren't you Dx?

[Tee09]

Walk up to the next Chinese guy you see and call him a chink. When he starts kicking your ass, calmly ask him why he's taking himself so seriously.

Walk up to a white guy and call him a wonky or a cracker. He'll look at you weird, probably walk away. *yawn*

You're THAT guy that necessitates all the boring diversity training at work aren't you Dx?

I didn't know dx was an attorney.

[jallengarry]

I think they are driven by the guys the attorneys are sick of being sued over. You can come back and say they're driven by the silly laws the attorneys have to deal with...then we'll just disagree...so I'll save you the post....lol.

Anyhow...agree, fun watching Lin today. What he has done with even a small sample size very likely means he'll be a really good player in this league for a while. May even already mean he has a good shot to be a several time allstar...but I'll hold off on that. Week old link...but intersting statistical take after even only 4 good games:


http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/jeremy-lin-is-no-fluke/

[Tee09]

I think they are driven by the guys the attorneys are sick of being sued over. You can come back and say they're driven by the silly laws the attorneys have to deal with...then will just disagree...so I'll save you the post....lol.

Anyhow...agree, fun watching Lin today. What he has done with even a small sample size very likely means he'll be a really good player in this league for a while. May even already mean he has a good shot to be a several time allstar...but I'll hold off on that. Week old link...but intersting statistical take after even only 4 good games:


http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/jeremy-lin-is-no-fluke/

I just can't wait for the novelty to wear off so all the Asian grad students will quit pretending they know all about basketball and stop talking about how "Lin is so good at the assists".

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

Tell me about one period in American history in which white people have been considered second class citizens with fewer rights than minorities. If you can do that, I'll agree with you.

Only white people can be racists. Got it.

I wrote nothing remotely close to that. If you're unable to understand why a white person will face more serious blowback from society for calling a minority a slur than the other way around, I can't help you. I'm done here.

[Armadillo]

Tell me about one period in American history in which white people have been considered second class citizens with fewer rights than minorities. If you can do that, I'll agree with you.

Only white people can be racists. Got it.

I wrote nothing remotely close to that. If you're unable to understand why a white person will face more serious blowback from society for calling a minority a slur than the other way around, I can't help you. I'm done here.

With this line of thinking, the racial divide in this country will never be overcome. NEVER.

PM me for more.

[dryfly]

Meanwhile, back to the Wolves/NBA...sorry, I got nothing. Just trying to build a fire break on these posts.

Try harder...

[Gopherguy05]

K-Love with a shot at the Buzzer after playing a crappy game to beat Philly who is one of the top 3 teams right now in the East and bring the t-Wolves back to .500 again...

[Hobey Baker]

This team has been a good story so far this year. People are actually talking about the team and going to the games. This team is on the rise.

[Beauner]

This team has been a good story so far this year. People are actually talking about the team and going to the games. This team is on the rise.

Bill Simmons, who loves the game as much as basically anybody in the national media, says the Wolves are a "must-watch" team because of their entertainment value. He says they are the ideal team for NBA League Pass.

[Hobey Baker]

What would the Rubio hype be like if he played in NY .. What about K Love???

[dxmnkd316]

You know, I watched about five minutes of the game last night. It was awful. I could barely even recognize "basketball". Guys driving from the three-point line without dribbling. Keven Love being assaulted to the point he was bleeding and no call. Then on the other end we don't even touch anyone and we get called for a foul on a drive where the guy literally, LITERALLY, took five steps.

The day they fire all the refs and start enforcing the rules is the day i start watching again. Every time they blew the whistle I couldn't help but think they were trying to throw the game.

[jallengarry]

You know, I watched about five minutes of the game last night. It was awful. I could barely even recognize "basketball". Guys driving from the three-point line without dribbling. Keven Love being assaulted to the point he was bleeding and no call. Then on the other end we don't even touch anyone and we get called for a foul on a drive where the guy literally, LITERALLY, took five steps.

The day they fire all the refs and start enforcing the rules is the day i start watching again. Every time they blew the whistle I couldn't help but think they were trying to throw the game.

You will find those things. I feel the same way about pro hockey sometimes...where guys are actually, literally being physically assaulted to the point of bleeding. I agree with Hobey though, the Wolves are a decent watch for me again, for the first time in a while. There's real reason for hope...which has also been missing for a while. And the Rubio haters have just turned into crickets.

[Bigbeer]

Pretty awful refereeing at the end of last nights game, but the Wolves missed layups and open shot in OT. The game was there for them.

[Chris Eckes]

I love hockey and really don't care for basketball, but the Wolves hold my attention infinitely more than the Wild do.

[Greyeagle]

I love hockey and really don't care for basketball, but the Wolves hold my attention infinitely more than the Wild do.

At this particular point in time, I agree.

[Gopher Fan 26]

I love hockey and really don't care for basketball, but the Wolves hold my attention infinitely more than the Wild do.

At this particular point in time, I agree.

Agree about the twolves > wild part- I've actually enjoyed the NBA more than the NHL for a number of years now. That being said, it's probably because my hockey needs are more than fulfilled by college and high school so I don't feel the need to watch the NHL.

[Hobey Baker]

Love beats Durant to win the 3 pt shooting contest.

[Beauner]

Love beats Durant to win the 3 pt shooting contest.

Rubio set a world record for shots made from behind the basket (video here), and Derek Williams (from what I heard) was going to be the slam dunk champion until somebody named Evans from Utah that replaced some other dude dunked two basketballs while jumping over a teammate.

[psych]

Love beats Durant to win the 3 pt shooting contest.

Rubio set a world record for shots made from behind the basket (video here), and Derek Williams (from what I heard) was going to be the slam dunk champion until somebody named Evans from Utah that replaced some other dude dunked two basketballs while jumping over a teammate.

Evans went to WKU, so I am totally cool with him taking home the dunk title.

[Slap Shot]

I admittedly watch very little NBA, but I couldn't sleep last night and watched some Wolves/Clippers and was reminded why:

-Kevin Love - who by now should be getting the star treatment - can have his feet planted, be backed into by Blake Griffin and called for a foul, then elbowed in the back twice, one of which is hard enough to send him to the locker room, and I bet no one gets fined for it.

[Bushwood Gopher]

I admittedly watch very little NBA, but I couldn't sleep last night and watched some Wolves/Clippers and was reminded why:

-Kevin Love - who by now should be getting the star treatment - can have his feet planted, be backed into by Blake Griffin and called for a foul, then elbowed in the back twice, one of which is hard enough to send him to the locker room, and I bet no one gets fined for it.

If that game didn't do it for you last night it's probably never going to. One of the most entertaining NBA games I've seen in a long time. Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley went nutso. Both had 27 points each and they made tough shots from all over the floor. They were a combined 7 for 7 from 3 point range and 20 of 25 overall. Derrick Williams missed one fg, going 9 of 10 from the field and 5 of 5 from the line.