Wolves / NBA:

by **Slap Shot** » Wed 2/29/12 8:04 am

It was entertaining to a point, I just don't like the obvious b.s. Oh and...

by **Handyman** » Wed 2/29/12 9:52 am

I watched the first three quarters at the Happy Gnome...and the game was entertaining although the NBA ref problem Slap Shot talked about was in full effect. It was fun to watch the team respond though every time the Clippers tried to pull away even when Love had foul trouble early. D Williams was just fun to watch.

by **Beauner** » Wed 2/29/12 11:45 am

Those are the kinds of games I wish Beasley and Williams could have more often. Williams is so talented and can shoot the lights out, but he doesn't really have a position for himself right now. He can't handle the ball well enough to be an NBA small forward/ a "3", but he's not going to take PT from arguably the MVP of the NBA (article about that here).
If Love, Pekovich, and Darko can control the post and Williams/Beasley can shoot the ball like that the team could end up making a pretty decent push towards the playoffs despite a lack of a shooting guard.

I have no idea how the play Love got hurt on wasn't a technical foul. He just got slammed in the ribs by an elbow. No call, let alone a technical.

by **Armadillo** » Fri 3/02/12 12:30 am

The Los Angeles Clippers, being the Los Angeles Clippers, tell their biggest, most devoted fan to buzz off:

http://deadspin.com/5889749/you-dont-want-clipper-darrell-no-more-the-sad-strange-story-of-a-superfan

by **Hobey Baker** » Sun 3/04/12 1:54 am

Wolves beat Portland 122-110. KLove had 42 pts and 10 rebounds. The win snapped a 16 game losing streak to the Blazers.

by **Tee09** » Mon 3/05/12 4:44 am

Deron Williams went off last night. 57 points. 16-29 FGs. 21-21 FTs. Not bad.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320304030

by **Handyman** » Mon 3/05/12 10:30 pm

Kevin Love has completely owned the Clippers tonight. He is hitting pretty much everything and they can't keep him away from the boards. For all the talk Blake Griffin gets he is completely eclipsed by Kevin Love tonight.

by **dxmnkd316** » Mon 3/05/12 10:35 pm

The Minnesota Muskies, eh?

by **dxmnkd316** » Mon 3/05/12 10:37 pm

Derrick WIlliams should be beaten with a hose. What a dumbass.

by **Handyman** » Mon 3/05/12 10:47 pm

Eh it wasnt that bad a play he had to run at Paul to get in his face or most likely it is tied. He was out of control but considering the stuff the refs let go most of the game I aint mad at him. (plus he is a kid they make mistakes)

Not to mention it is hard to shoot free throws with your hands around your throat

by **Iceburg** » Tue 3/06/12 9:48 am

dxmnkd316 wrote:The Minnesota Muskies, eh?

Damn I'm old. I actually went to a few Muskie (and Piper) games.

Connie Hawkins :shock:

by **Bigbeer** » Tue 3/06/12 10:00 am

I had thought Griffin and Love were the 2 best power forwards in the NBA, but after last night I have an even greater appreciation for Love. He's already way better. Besides missing a bunch of free throws, Griffin kind of came off like a bit of a dick.

by **Chris83** » Tue 3/06/12 11:14 am

Iceburg wrote:
dxmnkd316 wrote:The Minnesota Muskies, eh?

Damn I'm old. I actually went to a few Muskie (and Piper) games.

Connie Hawkins

Me too! You always got a great look at the seating color patterns for those games! :lol:

by **Beauner** » Tue 3/06/12 1:02 pm

Bigbeer wrote:I had thought Griffin and Love were the 2 best power forwards in the NBA, but after last night I have an even greater appreciation for Love. He's already way better. Besides missing a bunch of free throws, Griffin kind of came off like a bit of a dick.

Kevin Love is far and away the best PF in the league and is arguably a top 8-10 player in the league. Blake Griffin gets a lot of hype because he can jump high and finish the equivalent of an empty net goal from the blue line (dunk). He's not really a complete player. He struggles from the FT line, doesn't have a great jump shot, and if he can't out-physical a guy he won't be as effective. Kevin Love shoots 80% from the line, is hitting 35+% of his 3 point shots, is one of the best rebounders the NBA has seen in 10+ years...
If Love doesn't end up in the top 5 of the MVP voting if the TWolves make the playoffs I will be absolutely disgusted with a league I already don't care too much about.

by **dryfly** » Thu 3/08/12 12:46 am

Whodathunkit that the T-Pups would end up the most competitive pro-franchise in Minnie this year.

Ooops - forgot about the Lynx... make that MALE franchise.

by **Dances With Gophers** » Thu 3/08/12 12:58 am

by **Armadillo** » Thu 3/08/12 1:00 am

OK, that's fantastic. :lol:

by **Bushwood Gopher** » Thu 3/08/12 2:36 am

Beauner wrote:
Bigbeer wrote:I had thought Griffin and Love were the 2 best power forwards in the NBA, but after last night I have an even greater appreciation for Love. He's already way better. Besides missing a bunch of free throws, Griffin kind of came off like a bit of a dick.

Kevin Love is far and away the best PF in the league and is arguably a top 8-10 player in the league. Blake Griffin gets a lot of hype because he can jump high and finish the equivalent of an empty net goal from the blue line (dunk). He's not really a complete player. He struggles from the FT line, doesn't have a great jump shot, and if he can't out-physical a guy he won't be as effective. Kevin Love shoots 80% from the line, is hitting 35+% of his 3 point shots, is one of the best rebounders the NBA has seen in 10+ years...
If Love doesn't end up in the top 5 of the MVP voting if the TWolves make the playoffs I will be absolutely disgusted with a league I already don't care too much about.

I've seen some national guys already say he is their MVP. I'd say he's a lock for Top 5 in the voting unless the Wolves and/or his numbers really collapse.

by **Handyman** » Thu 3/08/12 11:00 am

Dances With Gophers wrote:

So...much...WIN!

by **Bushwood Gopher** » Fri 3/09/12 10:39 pm

So in the last 15 seconds of the Wolves game:

-Ricky Rubio might have torn his knee up
-Derrick Williams was hammered by Pau on a drive to the basket with no call
-Lakers win a game they should not have

by **Riff Raff** » Fri 3/09/12 10:45 pm

Bushwood Gopher wrote:So in the last 15 seconds of the Wolves game:

-Ricky Rubio might have torn his knee up
-Derrick Williams was hammered by Pau on a drive to the basket with no call
-Lakers win a game they should not have

I've never seen a knee buckle like that that didn't result in a torn acl. This team just can't catch a break.....ever

by **Bushwood Gopher** » Fri 3/09/12 10:55 pm

Riff Raff wrote:
Bushwood Gopher wrote:So in the last 15 seconds of the Wolves game:

-Ricky Rubio might have torn his knee up
-Derrick Williams was hammered by Pau on a drive to the basket with no call
-Lakers win a game they should not have

I've never seen a knee buckle like that that didn't result in a torn acl. This team just can't catch a break.....ever

Me neither. I did mine twice and that looked like one to me, too. It's possible it was "just" an MCL but like you say this team isn't accustomed to getting good breaks.

by **gopherguy06** » Sat 3/10/12 12:21 pm

MRI today but rumor from a friend in the wolves is that it is torn. With Barea an health issue and no reliable PG, we may need some help.

by **Hobey Baker** » Sat 3/10/12 2:23 pm

Strib reporting that Rubio is lost for the season with a torn ligament. The injury will most likely cause Rubio to miss the Summer Olympics.

by **Gopher99** » Sat 3/10/12 5:08 pm

I know this forum kind of jokes about NBA or about the Twolves, but it's too bad about Rubio's injury. He's been a lot of fun to watch and for the first time in my life I started watching more Wolves than Wild games this year. Hoping for a fast recovery

by **gopherguy06** » Sat 3/10/12 9:55 pm

Fortunately, this team can still do well. We are shaky at point with a often injuries Barea. Love can carry this team but Rubio was fun to watch.

by **Hobey Baker** » Sun 3/11/12 2:07 pm

gopherguy06 wrote:Fortunately, this team can still do well. We are shaky at point with a often injuries Barea. Love can carry this team but Rubio was fun to watch.

Did you watch them last night .. energy in building was terrible. Team looked flat without Rubio.

by **Gopherguy05** » Fri 3/23/12 10:07 pm

Wolves lose in 2 0t to OKC 149-140 after choking it away in OT # 1.

However JJ Barea gets the first T-wolves Triple Double since KG in 2007. Love is the first Wolves player to ever score over 50 in a game (ended with 51)

by **Chris83** » Sat 4/28/12 6:19 pm

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose suffers a torn ACL in his left knee with 1:22 left in a game that already appeared to be decided and is lost for the rest of the post season. Well, that locks up the Eastern Conference for Miami after one day.

by **Beauner** » Sun 4/29/12 12:44 am

Chris83 wrote:Bulls point guard Derrick Rose suffers a torn ACL in his left knee with 1:22 left in a game that already appeared to be decided and is lost for the rest of the post season. Well, that locks up the Eastern Conference for Miami after one day.

Most likely.
The Bulls did play 27 games without Rose this season and IIRC, had some success against Miami even without him. They have some good depth and Miami's bench is terrible.

by **dxmnkd316** » Sun 6/17/12 7:24 pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?sec ... id=8059933

Nice little write-up about the Lynx and Team USA

by **Hobey Baker** » Sun 6/17/12 11:59 pm

Just throwing it in here ... Lynx winning streak is over. Seattle beat the Lynx 65-62.

Heat beat Thunder to take a 2-1 series lead. James had 29 points and 14 boards.

by **GopherFan85** » Thu 6/21/12 9:48 pm

Heat win the NBA Championship...........anyone care? Didn't think so.......... :bored:

by **Armadillo** » Thu 6/21/12 9:52 pm

GopherFan85 wrote:Heat win the NBA Championship...........anyone care? Didn't think so..........

At least hockey teams get a few minutes for a proper dogpile and trophy presentations before the photogs get out there...Jesus on a tricycle, it looks like everyone BUT the team is out on the floor.

by **IDGopher** » Thu 6/21/12 9:56 pm

As a former Sonics fan, I'm glad OKC lost.

by **GopherFan85** » Thu 6/21/12 9:59 pm

Armadillo wrote:
GopherFan85 wrote:Heat win the NBA Championship...........anyone care? Didn't think so..........

At least hockey teams get a few minutes for a proper dogpile and trophy presentations before the photogs get out there...Jesus on a tricycle, it looks like everyone BUT the team is out on the floor.

Where is the line up and hand shake like true professionals. I mean come on show some sportsmanship.

by **Armadillo** » Fri 6/22/12 12:14 am

I maintain that the trophy itself only means something when there's ONE of it, like the Stanley Cup, Grey Cup, Conn Smythe, etc. Lombardi and the NBA trophy? Fine, but you're holding THIS YEAR'S version of it. The trophy Lebron held up tonight isn't the one Jordan, Kareem, or Dr. J held up. That counts for something.

by **JC65** » Fri 6/22/12 6:31 am

One of the things the NHL does better than any other major sport in North America is the trophy presentation. No dragging the 80 year old billionaire owner down from his skybox to receive the trophy, no, they give it to the players.

All other North American sports get it wrong in that regard.

by **Hobey Baker** » Fri 6/22/12 10:59 am

GopherFan85 wrote:Heat win the NBA Championship...........anyone care? Didn't think so..........

I do think people cared. I think most wanted the Thunder to win to prevent LeBron from getting his title.

by **trixR4kids** » Fri 6/22/12 11:55 am

Hobey Baker wrote:
GopherFan85 wrote:Heat win the NBA Championship...........anyone care? Didn't think so..........

I do think people cared. I think most wanted the Thunder to win to prevent LeBron from getting his title.

Pretty much. I guess we should all be amazed that he "proved all his doubters wrong" (played for a deep team and gave the ball to others in the 4th).

by **Snowcool08** » Fri 6/22/12 3:00 pm

JC65 wrote:One of the things the NHL does better than any other major sport in North America is the trophy presentation. No dragging the 80 year old billionaire owner down from his skybox to receive the trophy, no, they give it to the players.

All other North American sports get it wrong in that regard.

Not only that, but the NHL players handle it correctly and give it to the veteran players after the captain gets it. More times than not the "star" NHL players have to wait for a half a dozen guys to celebrate with it before they get it. Last night it would have been Juwan Howard getting the trophy right away. Instead, he probably had to wait for an hour for LeBron and Wade to finish celebrating with it.

by **g_manpucker** » Fri 6/22/12 7:13 pm

I'm sorry to be Captain Obvious here...but LeBron doesn't end up in Miami if Dwyane Wade isn't there. To me Wade is the bigger reason why the Heat won the title. That and I hate basketball and egos like Court Jester James!

by **Bushwood Gopher** » Fri 6/22/12 8:57 pm

I don't have a clue how anybody could watch that series and think anyone other than LeBron was the biggest key to them winning. To me it borders on crazy. 28.6/10.2/7.4 for the Series. He basically averaged close to a triple double.

Not to mention that in Game 6 of the Celtics series, a game they had to win or were done, he had one of the best postseason games of the last decade.

by **Tee09** » Fri 6/22/12 8:58 pm

Bushwood Gopher wrote:I don't have a clue how anybody could watch that series and think anyone other than LeBron was the biggest key to them winning. To me it borders on crazy. 28.6/10.2/7.4 for the Series. He basically averaged close to a triple double.

Not to mention that in Game 6 of the Celtics series, a game they had to win or were done, he had one of the best postseason games of the last decade.

He's really good. Doesn't mean I have to like him.

by **dxmnkd316** » Fri 6/22/12 9:00 pm

This makes me happy.

http://deadspin.com/5920535/mark-cuban- ... -its-hosts

Mark Cuban vs. ESPN FIrst Take.

by **Slap Shot** » Fri 6/22/12 11:53 pm

dxmnkd316 wrote:This makes me happy.

http://deadspin.com/5920535/mark-cuban- ... -its-hosts

Mark Cuban vs. ESPN FIrst Take.

Saw that earlier and I agree. Only wish he would buy a franchise or two locally.

by **trixR4kids** » Sat 6/23/12 3:53 am

Bushwood Gopher wrote:I don't have a clue how anybody could watch that series and think anyone other than LeBron was the biggest key to them winning. To me it borders on crazy. 28.6/10.2/7.4 for the Series. He basically averaged close to a triple double.

Not to mention that in Game 6 of the Celtics series, a game they had to win or were done, he had one of the best postseason games of the last decade.

Guy is one of the greatest players ever through three quarters. His stat line in the 4th is crap though and it's almost comical when the Heat start pulling away in the 4th. Chalmers is more clutch than he is in crunch time. The Heat won because they're a deep team and because all but two of OKC's players were completely worthless during the finals.

by **jallengarry** » Sat 6/23/12 7:35 am

trixR4kids wrote:
Bushwood Gopher wrote:I don't have a clue how anybody could watch that series and think anyone other than LeBron was the biggest key to them winning. To me it borders on crazy. 28.6/10.2/7.4 for the Series. He basically averaged close to a triple double.

Not to mention that in Game 6 of the Celtics series, a game they had to win or were done, he had one of the best postseason games of the last decade.

Guy is one of the greatest players ever through three quarters. His stat line in the 4th is crap though and it's almost comical when the Heat start pulling away in the 4th. Chalmers is more clutch than he is in crunch time. The Heat won because they're a deep team and because all but two of OKC's players were completely worthless during the finals.

This is a lazy opinion which would make me speculate that either you're not that big of a fan who did not watch the games or you're blinded from the facts by a dislike for LeBron. You're entitled to your opinion, but I agree with everything Bushwood said. Love him or hate him...he's far and away the primary reason they won...and it's not close. I would only add that in addition to his offensive performance LeBron's defense, which gives him the ability to defend almost any player on the court, was another huge key to success.

by **Handyman** » Sat 6/23/12 11:51 am

Yeah, I dont like Lebron at all (well I do now because it ticks off the haters) but using his "stat line in the 4th quarter" is a joke. Durant may have outscored him, but Lebron outplayed him on both ends of the floor all series, and ESPECIALLY the 4th quarter. When Lebron guarded Durant Durant was more MIA than the Wolves in the NBA playoffs.

Lebron can't win with most people...when he shoots in the 4th quarter he is selfish and "Me First" and when he passes to the other stars on the team he "is not clutch" or afraid. He apparently can only win because of the other players on the Heat (who somehow couldnt help him win last year) even though he took Cleveland to the NBA Finals and had zero talent around him. People want him to fail which is cool but it blinds them to the facts.

In a Finals filled with stars Lebron was the best of the best. And for those who whined about his lack of class, it was LeBron stopping people from celebrating in the faces of the OKC players until the end of the game. It was Lebron who hugged Durant for the final 10 seconds of the game and then sought out every OKC player and made sure to shake hands and hug it out with them. (unlike say...Kevin Garnett who people around here still jizz their pants over besides being an A#1 douchebag) It was Lebron who last year took the loss to the Mavericks on himself, said he didnt play good enough and would have to get better instead of blaming the team.

LeBron may be a jerkoff and vastly immature, but that doesnt change the fact that he was basically Oscar Robertson in the Finals and had one of the best all around years I have seen in a while in the NBA. If you switched the names around people would be making statues of Durant and retiring his number already.

by **Jaykay3** » Thu 6/28/12 10:58 pm

I like the Robbie Hummel pick, I think he has a decent chance of making the team which is really about all you can ask from the 58th pick.

by **gopherguy13** » Fri 6/29/12 12:36 am

I feel like Robbie Hummel was at Purdue for 12 years. I guess that's what two major knee injuries will do to you...

by **st8ofhockey** » Fri 6/29/12 7:35 am

As UK goes 1/2 in the Draft last night, Psych and I are finding that - even in the offseason - it's impossible to escape the clowns that constitute "Big Blue Nation" :roll:

You would think that, with all the things that legitimately affected our country yesterday, there would be better ways to apply oneself than trying to overshadow the University of North Carolina... on Facebook...

by **Tee09** » Fri 6/29/12 9:12 am

gopherguy13 wrote:I feel like Robbie Hummel was at Purdue for 12 years. I guess that's what two major knee injuries will do to you...

Were they playing the Gophers both times? I can't remember.

by **Don Adams Wheel of Justice** » Fri 6/29/12 10:21 am

gopherguy13 wrote:I feel like Robbie Hummel was at Purdue for 12 years. I guess that's what two major knee injuries will do to you...

I wish I could remember his name but in the 90's there was a kid from Iowa who played at least a decade for them too.

by **gopheritall** » Fri 6/29/12 10:42 am

Handyman wrote:LeBron may be a jerkoff and vastly immature, but that doesnt change the fact that he was basically Oscar Robertson in the Finals and had one of the best all around years I have seen in a while in the NBA. If you switched the names around people would be making statues of Durant and retiring his number already.

The lesson... Don't be a jerk. People do not like jerks.

by **Go4 Guy** » Fri 6/29/12 10:56 am

Don Adams Wheel of Justice wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:I feel like Robbie Hummel was at Purdue for 12 years. I guess that's what two major knee injuries will do to you...

I wish I could remember his name but in the 90's there was a kid from Iowa who played at least a decade for them too.

Jess Settles I believe, he started in 93-94 and his last season was 98-99. basically missed two complete season (96-97, 97-98) due to injury.

by **Don Adams Wheel of Justice** » Fri 6/29/12 12:23 pm

Jess Settles I believe, he started in 93-94 and his last season was 98-99. basically missed two complete season (96-97, 97-98) due to injury.

Yes, thank you for that.

by **psych** » Fri 6/29/12 3:18 pm

st8ofhockey wrote:As UK goes 1/2 in the Draft last night, Psych and I are finding that - even in the offseason - it's impossible to escape the clowns that constitute "Big Blue Nation"

You would think that, with all the things that legitimately affected our country yesterday, there would be better ways to apply oneself than trying to overshadow the University of North Carolina... on Facebook...

You will learn, young padawan, that there is no such thing as an "offseason" for BBN. :no:

by **Beauner** » Fri 6/29/12 3:50 pm

Go4 Guy wrote:
Don Adams Wheel of Justice wrote:
gopherguy13 wrote:I feel like Robbie Hummel was at Purdue for 12 years. I guess that's what two major knee injuries will do to you...

I wish I could remember his name but in the 90's there was a kid from Iowa who played at least a decade for them too.

Jess Settles I believe, he started in 93-94 and his last season was 98-99. basically missed two complete season (96-97, 97-98) due to injury.

Seemed like Evan Eschmeyer was at Northwestern for a decade too.

by **Handyman** » Wed 7/04/12 10:49 am

He was

by **Hobey Baker** » Wed 7/04/12 7:07 pm

Think the Wilds moves puts a little pressure on the Wolves to do something??

by **psych** » Thu 7/05/12 12:00 am

Hobey Baker wrote:Think the Wilds moves puts a little pressure on the Wolves to do something??

No.

by **Zwak** » Thu 7/05/12 6:33 am

psych wrote:
Hobey Baker wrote:Think the Wilds moves puts a little pressure on the Wolves to do something??

No.

There was a good point brought up on the radio yesterday that the four major pro sports and Gopher Football all either have new,relatively new, or soon to be remodeled stadia. There is only so much corporate sponsorship that can go around, especially for suites. The thought is this will put more pressure on the Wolves as their schedule relatively coincides with the Wild.

by **jallengarry** » Thu 7/05/12 6:42 am

Interesting thought. However, one need not go farther than the NBA thread around here to get a sense that NBA and NHL fans tend to be strange bedfellows.

by **Hobey Baker** » Thu 7/05/12 8:24 am

Why didnt the Wolves trade Beasley last season instead of letting him walk?

by **Don Adams Wheel of Justice** » Thu 7/05/12 9:38 am

Probably because they figured whatever they got back in a trade for Beasley wouldn't be better than letting him walk and using the salary to sign a free agent.

by **Handyman** » Thu 7/05/12 2:06 pm

Yeah it wasnt like teams were banging down the doors trying to get him. Hell even the rumor mills were pretty lame with Beasley talk. they lost nothing in that regard.

by **Hobey Baker** » Thu 7/05/12 2:58 pm

Don Adams Wheel of Justice wrote:Probably because they figured whatever they got back in a trade for Beasley wouldn't be better than letting him walk and using the salary to sign a free agent.

good point!

by **Jaykay3** » Thu 7/05/12 11:47 pm

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/47244/reports-roy-to-join-timberwolves

by **Jaykay3** » Thu 7/05/12 11:48 pm

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8134117/agent-says-portland-trail-blazers-nicolas-batum-verbal-agreement-minnesota-timberwolves

by **Armadillo** » Fri 7/06/12 7:04 pm

Somebody's feeling sudden pressure to make a splash...

by **Slap Shot** » Fri 7/06/12 7:21 pm

Probably true, although to be fair to the Wolves they've had Batum on their radar since well before the Wild splash.

by **Hobey Baker** » Fri 7/06/12 11:01 pm

Allen leaves Celtics and signs with Heat.

by **GopherFan85** » Fri 7/06/12 11:03 pm

Slap Shot wrote:Probably true, although to be fair to the Wolves they've had Batum on their radar since well before the Wild splash.

But Portland can match the offer. It will be interesting to see if he will get a matching offer since he has been vocal about not wanting to be in Portland.

by **dxmnkd316** » Sat 7/07/12 1:16 am

Hobey Baker wrote:Allen leaves Celtics and signs with Heat.

And the network execs at ESPN are still pitching tents in their pants.

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