Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:58 am
Another Big Game for Nash, Stoudemire.
Suns Defeat Wolves in Overtime
PHOENIX— With Florjan Grabowski saddled on the bench with five fouls, Didier Ilunga-Mbenga had a colossal fourth quarter surge to bring the Timberwolves to within two. Even with the huge bench contributions, the Timberwolves could not overcome 45 points from Steve Nash and 35 points from Amare Stoudemire, as the Suns tamed the Wolves 112-to-105 in overtime.
Stoudemire also picked up fourteen rebounds and three steals as the Suns believed they had the game well in hand.
“We played prevent offense in the second half,” Suns Coach Terry Porter said, “the kind of offense that prevents the other team from having the ball for twenty seconds, but also prevents you from scoring, eighty percent of the time.”
During a second half in which the Timberwolves outscored the Suns 64-to-40, the game took on a nearly tragic mood when Amare Stoudemire hobbled off of the court with an apparent foot injury. Suns fans watched in horror as the current favorite for NBA MVP left for the locker room. However, Stoudemire returned at the quarter break and helped the Suns hold off the Timberwolves rally.
“It’ll probably hurt in the morning, but the Timberwolves just weren’t going away,” Stoudemire said, “I told them to wrap me up and ship me back out.”
The move turned out to be central to the Suns’ success as Amare blocked a shot and stole a pass in the closing minutes of overtime and the Suns protected their lead.
Eddie Griffin led the scoring punch for the Timberwolves. His twenty-six points and nine rebounds paced a generally balanced scoring attack. The Wolves received nineteen off of the bench from Kenny Schneider, thirteen from leading scorer Apostolos Kanioridis, and nine apiece from Silas Wilkins and Didier Ilunga-Mbenga.
Florjan Grabowski, the budding All-Star, provided the line of the game for the Wolves, tallying six points, eleven rebounds, and eight blocked shots.
“He’s a tough match-up,” Porter said, “you can’t shoot over him and he’s just quick enough and long enough that you can’t blow by him.”
The Wolves have run into a roadblock with the Suns, and have fallen in all three games of the season series. The Wolves fall to 32-and-33 on the season, but remain two games up of the Seattle Sonics as the representative of the Northwest Division’s top and lone playoff berth. The Suns, at 46 and 17, sit atop the Pacific division and are the early favorite to lock home court throughout the playoffs.
NOTES: Stoudemire, who re-entered the game in the fourth quarter, will be out for the next three weeks with a broken toe.
This is the first game that the Wolves have played against the Suns in this franchise without Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq was traded before the trade deadline for Mike Bibby. Shaq is now the starting center for the Hawks, and still putting up numbers like he did in his championship year with Miami. If he can do that in 2009/2010 in reality, I’d be amazed.
In response to SoukpBulldzers03: Phoenix has only won one championship in the three years of this dynasty mode.
Suns Defeat Wolves in Overtime
PHOENIX— With Florjan Grabowski saddled on the bench with five fouls, Didier Ilunga-Mbenga had a colossal fourth quarter surge to bring the Timberwolves to within two. Even with the huge bench contributions, the Timberwolves could not overcome 45 points from Steve Nash and 35 points from Amare Stoudemire, as the Suns tamed the Wolves 112-to-105 in overtime.
Stoudemire also picked up fourteen rebounds and three steals as the Suns believed they had the game well in hand.
“We played prevent offense in the second half,” Suns Coach Terry Porter said, “the kind of offense that prevents the other team from having the ball for twenty seconds, but also prevents you from scoring, eighty percent of the time.”
During a second half in which the Timberwolves outscored the Suns 64-to-40, the game took on a nearly tragic mood when Amare Stoudemire hobbled off of the court with an apparent foot injury. Suns fans watched in horror as the current favorite for NBA MVP left for the locker room. However, Stoudemire returned at the quarter break and helped the Suns hold off the Timberwolves rally.
“It’ll probably hurt in the morning, but the Timberwolves just weren’t going away,” Stoudemire said, “I told them to wrap me up and ship me back out.”
The move turned out to be central to the Suns’ success as Amare blocked a shot and stole a pass in the closing minutes of overtime and the Suns protected their lead.
Eddie Griffin led the scoring punch for the Timberwolves. His twenty-six points and nine rebounds paced a generally balanced scoring attack. The Wolves received nineteen off of the bench from Kenny Schneider, thirteen from leading scorer Apostolos Kanioridis, and nine apiece from Silas Wilkins and Didier Ilunga-Mbenga.
Florjan Grabowski, the budding All-Star, provided the line of the game for the Wolves, tallying six points, eleven rebounds, and eight blocked shots.
“He’s a tough match-up,” Porter said, “you can’t shoot over him and he’s just quick enough and long enough that you can’t blow by him.”
The Wolves have run into a roadblock with the Suns, and have fallen in all three games of the season series. The Wolves fall to 32-and-33 on the season, but remain two games up of the Seattle Sonics as the representative of the Northwest Division’s top and lone playoff berth. The Suns, at 46 and 17, sit atop the Pacific division and are the early favorite to lock home court throughout the playoffs.
NOTES: Stoudemire, who re-entered the game in the fourth quarter, will be out for the next three weeks with a broken toe.
This is the first game that the Wolves have played against the Suns in this franchise without Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq was traded before the trade deadline for Mike Bibby. Shaq is now the starting center for the Hawks, and still putting up numbers like he did in his championship year with Miami. If he can do that in 2009/2010 in reality, I’d be amazed.
In response to SoukpBulldzers03: Phoenix has only won one championship in the three years of this dynasty mode.
Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:31 pm
Marin Does What Shaq Could Not.
Suns Rout Wolves
MINNEAPOLIS— When the Suns humiliate the Timberwolves, they do it in a big way. In a game in which the home team could not hit a shot, going a mere .251 from the field, a relatively unsung second year player, Jesse Marin, helped the Phoenix Suns double-up the host Minnesota Timberwolves 120-to-59 on Wednesday night.
Jesse Marin led the way with 34 points and six blocks. Amare Stoudamire gave an equally impressive thirty points, fourteen rebounds, and seven blocks as the Suns obliterated the Timberwolves.
“It was miserable,” said Minnesota Coach Jay Wright, “I went to my bench early, and they went 3-of-31. I guess all you can do is laugh this one up.”
Sam Cooke led the way for the Timberwolves, scoring 15 points and tallying five assists in what amounted to an embarrassing game from start to finish.
Suns Rout Wolves
MINNEAPOLIS— When the Suns humiliate the Timberwolves, they do it in a big way. In a game in which the home team could not hit a shot, going a mere .251 from the field, a relatively unsung second year player, Jesse Marin, helped the Phoenix Suns double-up the host Minnesota Timberwolves 120-to-59 on Wednesday night.
Jesse Marin led the way with 34 points and six blocks. Amare Stoudamire gave an equally impressive thirty points, fourteen rebounds, and seven blocks as the Suns obliterated the Timberwolves.
“It was miserable,” said Minnesota Coach Jay Wright, “I went to my bench early, and they went 3-of-31. I guess all you can do is laugh this one up.”
Sam Cooke led the way for the Timberwolves, scoring 15 points and tallying five assists in what amounted to an embarrassing game from start to finish.
Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:31 pm
Preview: #4 Minnesota Timberwolves (vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers)
Opening Line: The Timberwolves have slipped slightly from their break-out season last year. However, the Timberwolves (41-41) were rewarded by taking the division’s guaranteed playoff slot and home court advantage in the first round. Under coach Jay Wright, the Wolves have overcome an atrocious draft nightmare at the hands of HG8Harrier, and are looking towards the future. The Wolves have some young, up and coming leaders on this team, while some of the elder-statesmen are finding themselves in a holding pattern.
Guards: After Dan Dickau went down with an injury in the first ten games of the season, Sam Cooke took over as the floor general and did not relinquish his position for the remainder of the season. Randy Foye was consistent, but has not approached the numbers that made him an All-Star in 2008 since an ankle injury sidelined him last year. Cooke is a limited shooter and scorer, but became the second leading assist man in the league behind perennial All-NBA playmaker Steve Nash. Cooke will likely guard Shawn Livingston, who is having a career year at the point. On the other end, the point guard platoon might have some trouble getting around Livingston’s length. While Silas Wilkins is quick enough to motor around him, and Earl Watson can still muscle around when he needs to, Livingston is a greyhound. Kenny Schneider is still improving, despite being written off prior to being left undrafted.
Forwards: Greek hardbody Apostolos Kanioridis has continued his consistent efforts from the field and the line. He has improved his rebounding, but he will not lead small forwards in that category. This will prove to be difficult for the Timberwolves, as Corey Maggette is an excellent rebounder for his size. Team leader Eddie Griffin (19.4 ppg, 10 rpg) is still relevant, but his scoring and rebounding have taken a hit as he has learned to share the load. Griffin is too fond of the threes, and will shoot the T-Wolves out of the game from time to time, but he blocks well, which gives the T-Wolves a formidable forward-center combo. Hedo Turkoglu appears to be on a downward slide at this point of his career. Dorrell Wright has been lost in the rotation, as the T-Wolves have started to get some meaningful minutes from Danny Soto, as well. None of these players will outscore the Clippers’ Elton Brand.
Centers: Florjan Grabowski has made an incredible leap from last year. He led the league in block shots and nearly doubled the Timberwolves’ single season mark for blocks in a season. Grabowski can run well, can get his shot anytime he wants, and can rebound at an astounding rate. Grabowski still needs to work on his shot. Outside of dunks and lay-ins, Grabowski’s shot is atrocious, even though it actually improved to 26% from the line. Didier Ilunga-Mbenga has been effective in spelling Grabowski, but does not epitomize productivity..
Analysis: A dearth of quality bigs and an inundation of guards has been a problem over the past few years for the Timberwolves. Luckily, those bigs bring their hard hats to work and have logged extensive minutes together as a unit.
Prediction: Push in seven.
Timberwolves Roster
SF Apostolos Kanioridis 21.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg
C Florjan Grabowski 19.4 ppg, 11 rpg, 4.1 bpg
PF/C Eddie Griffin 19.4 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.9 bpg
SG/PG Randy Foye 11.8 ppg, 45.4% FG
PG Sam Cooke 8.7 ppg, 7.1 apg
The Bench
F Hidayet Turkoglu (6.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg)
PG Dan Dickau (5.7 ppg, 2.9 apg)
SG Dorell Wright (5.4 ppg)
SG Kenny Schneider (career 0.602 FG)
PG Earl Watson (Note: As you may recall, Watson almost didn’t go to UCLA because Los Angeles is too large. He’s from Kansas City, Kansas—yet somehow the twin cities area is too small for him.)
PG Silas Wilkins (3.28 ppg)
PF Danny Soto (1.99 ppg, 3.09 rpg)
C Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (Continues to hang around)
PF/C Phillip Perez (According to my storyline, playing for the Antwerp Diamond Giants)
SG Bryan Richardson (According to my storyline, playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBDL)
Opening Line: The Timberwolves have slipped slightly from their break-out season last year. However, the Timberwolves (41-41) were rewarded by taking the division’s guaranteed playoff slot and home court advantage in the first round. Under coach Jay Wright, the Wolves have overcome an atrocious draft nightmare at the hands of HG8Harrier, and are looking towards the future. The Wolves have some young, up and coming leaders on this team, while some of the elder-statesmen are finding themselves in a holding pattern.
Guards: After Dan Dickau went down with an injury in the first ten games of the season, Sam Cooke took over as the floor general and did not relinquish his position for the remainder of the season. Randy Foye was consistent, but has not approached the numbers that made him an All-Star in 2008 since an ankle injury sidelined him last year. Cooke is a limited shooter and scorer, but became the second leading assist man in the league behind perennial All-NBA playmaker Steve Nash. Cooke will likely guard Shawn Livingston, who is having a career year at the point. On the other end, the point guard platoon might have some trouble getting around Livingston’s length. While Silas Wilkins is quick enough to motor around him, and Earl Watson can still muscle around when he needs to, Livingston is a greyhound. Kenny Schneider is still improving, despite being written off prior to being left undrafted.
Forwards: Greek hardbody Apostolos Kanioridis has continued his consistent efforts from the field and the line. He has improved his rebounding, but he will not lead small forwards in that category. This will prove to be difficult for the Timberwolves, as Corey Maggette is an excellent rebounder for his size. Team leader Eddie Griffin (19.4 ppg, 10 rpg) is still relevant, but his scoring and rebounding have taken a hit as he has learned to share the load. Griffin is too fond of the threes, and will shoot the T-Wolves out of the game from time to time, but he blocks well, which gives the T-Wolves a formidable forward-center combo. Hedo Turkoglu appears to be on a downward slide at this point of his career. Dorrell Wright has been lost in the rotation, as the T-Wolves have started to get some meaningful minutes from Danny Soto, as well. None of these players will outscore the Clippers’ Elton Brand.
Centers: Florjan Grabowski has made an incredible leap from last year. He led the league in block shots and nearly doubled the Timberwolves’ single season mark for blocks in a season. Grabowski can run well, can get his shot anytime he wants, and can rebound at an astounding rate. Grabowski still needs to work on his shot. Outside of dunks and lay-ins, Grabowski’s shot is atrocious, even though it actually improved to 26% from the line. Didier Ilunga-Mbenga has been effective in spelling Grabowski, but does not epitomize productivity..
Analysis: A dearth of quality bigs and an inundation of guards has been a problem over the past few years for the Timberwolves. Luckily, those bigs bring their hard hats to work and have logged extensive minutes together as a unit.
Prediction: Push in seven.
Timberwolves Roster
SF Apostolos Kanioridis 21.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg
C Florjan Grabowski 19.4 ppg, 11 rpg, 4.1 bpg
PF/C Eddie Griffin 19.4 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.9 bpg
SG/PG Randy Foye 11.8 ppg, 45.4% FG
PG Sam Cooke 8.7 ppg, 7.1 apg
The Bench
F Hidayet Turkoglu (6.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg)
PG Dan Dickau (5.7 ppg, 2.9 apg)
SG Dorell Wright (5.4 ppg)
SG Kenny Schneider (career 0.602 FG)
PG Earl Watson (Note: As you may recall, Watson almost didn’t go to UCLA because Los Angeles is too large. He’s from Kansas City, Kansas—yet somehow the twin cities area is too small for him.)
PG Silas Wilkins (3.28 ppg)
PF Danny Soto (1.99 ppg, 3.09 rpg)
C Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (Continues to hang around)
PF/C Phillip Perez (According to my storyline, playing for the Antwerp Diamond Giants)
SG Bryan Richardson (According to my storyline, playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBDL)
Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:07 pm
KAMAN, DOS SANTOS KEY STUNNER AT TARGET CENTER
Clippers 117, Timberwolves 115
Minneapolis—With a record of 47-and-35, everyone expected the Clippers to be able to make up for the home court advantage in the playoffs. Nobody placed the Clippers as the odds-on favorite to take game one. The 5 seeded Clippers defeated the 4 seeded Timberwolves in what promises to be a high-octane series.
The Timberwolves, down by ten at the end of three, clawed back to tie the game at 110 with 1:19 to go in the game, but a shooting foul on Sam Cooke, a pair of made free throws by Tyler Lynch, and a missed three point opportunity by Apostolos Kanioridis gave the Clippers a two point lead and the ball, neither of which seemed to be relinquished in the last minute of the game. Further complicating things for the Timberwolves were ten fourth quarter points from Clipper Daniel dos Santos.
Chris Kaman led the way for the Clippers with 25 points and 13 rebounds. He shot fifty percent from the floor (10-of-20) and made all five free throws from the line. In rounding out his floor game, he contributed two steals and a block.
“With Elton on the floor, the Timberwolves were giving me the jumper,” Kaman said, “If they’re giving me the jumper, I’ll take it and thank them later.”
Corey Maggette added 23 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers.
Both teams received major scares during the course of the game. In the first quarter, Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin went down with an apparent leg injury. He returned to the game in the second half and went on to contribute sixteen points in sixteen minutes. The Clippers, however, will feel the effects of their scare for far longer than the Timberwolves. In the fourth quarter, after an attempted block by Florjan Grabowski, Clippers’ starting point guard Shawn Livingston exited the game grasping his wrist. He was later diagnosed with broken bones in his wrist and will be out for a month.
“I could feel the bones snap,” Livingston said, “I was trying to kid myself into believing it was a strain, but I definitely heard them go.”
The loss of Livingston opened up the door for sure-shooting, but less sure afoot Tyler Lynch. Lynch, holding the ball considerably in the waning moments of the game, was 7-of-9 from the stripe and helped keep the Timberwolves at bay. However, he also contributed four turnovers and almost gave the game away had Timberwolves’ guard Randy Foye not missed a three at the buzzer that would’ve given the Wolves the win.
Foye led the charge for the Timberwolves in the fourth quarter. He finished with twenty-one points and was eight-for-eight from the line. The real story for the Timberwolves was the strong all-around game for Florjan Grabowski. Grabowski led the Timberwolves with twenty-three points, but also chipped in eleven rebounds, five assists, and five blocked shots.
Apostolos Kanioridis, the Wolves’ leading scorer from the regular season, chipped in eighteen points for Minnesota.
“Maggette is a good player. I kept him busy, but he kept me down, too,” Kanioridis said.
With the loss, the Timberwolves must win game two in Minneapolis if they want to remain relevant in round one.
IN OTHER NEWS: Former Timberwolf Kevin Garnett posted 29 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and seven blocks as Boston rolled over the Atlanta Hawks 119-to-85.
Clippers 117, Timberwolves 115
Minneapolis—With a record of 47-and-35, everyone expected the Clippers to be able to make up for the home court advantage in the playoffs. Nobody placed the Clippers as the odds-on favorite to take game one. The 5 seeded Clippers defeated the 4 seeded Timberwolves in what promises to be a high-octane series.
The Timberwolves, down by ten at the end of three, clawed back to tie the game at 110 with 1:19 to go in the game, but a shooting foul on Sam Cooke, a pair of made free throws by Tyler Lynch, and a missed three point opportunity by Apostolos Kanioridis gave the Clippers a two point lead and the ball, neither of which seemed to be relinquished in the last minute of the game. Further complicating things for the Timberwolves were ten fourth quarter points from Clipper Daniel dos Santos.
Chris Kaman led the way for the Clippers with 25 points and 13 rebounds. He shot fifty percent from the floor (10-of-20) and made all five free throws from the line. In rounding out his floor game, he contributed two steals and a block.
“With Elton on the floor, the Timberwolves were giving me the jumper,” Kaman said, “If they’re giving me the jumper, I’ll take it and thank them later.”
Corey Maggette added 23 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers.
Both teams received major scares during the course of the game. In the first quarter, Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin went down with an apparent leg injury. He returned to the game in the second half and went on to contribute sixteen points in sixteen minutes. The Clippers, however, will feel the effects of their scare for far longer than the Timberwolves. In the fourth quarter, after an attempted block by Florjan Grabowski, Clippers’ starting point guard Shawn Livingston exited the game grasping his wrist. He was later diagnosed with broken bones in his wrist and will be out for a month.
“I could feel the bones snap,” Livingston said, “I was trying to kid myself into believing it was a strain, but I definitely heard them go.”
The loss of Livingston opened up the door for sure-shooting, but less sure afoot Tyler Lynch. Lynch, holding the ball considerably in the waning moments of the game, was 7-of-9 from the stripe and helped keep the Timberwolves at bay. However, he also contributed four turnovers and almost gave the game away had Timberwolves’ guard Randy Foye not missed a three at the buzzer that would’ve given the Wolves the win.
Foye led the charge for the Timberwolves in the fourth quarter. He finished with twenty-one points and was eight-for-eight from the line. The real story for the Timberwolves was the strong all-around game for Florjan Grabowski. Grabowski led the Timberwolves with twenty-three points, but also chipped in eleven rebounds, five assists, and five blocked shots.
Apostolos Kanioridis, the Wolves’ leading scorer from the regular season, chipped in eighteen points for Minnesota.
“Maggette is a good player. I kept him busy, but he kept me down, too,” Kanioridis said.
With the loss, the Timberwolves must win game two in Minneapolis if they want to remain relevant in round one.
IN OTHER NEWS: Former Timberwolf Kevin Garnett posted 29 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and seven blocks as Boston rolled over the Atlanta Hawks 119-to-85.
Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:09 pm
I haven't been following this one too much due to the lack of visual flare. This is actually one of the more interesting and well-written dynasties. Interesting team and fun read. However, this needs some rich text and pictures (not necessarily in-game, but just logos and such) in the worst way possible. Improve your template a bit, and there is no reason why this can't be one of the major dynasties here.
Also, the play one season series, sim the rest method is a brilliant way to get through the season.
Good luck against the paperClips.
Also, the play one season series, sim the rest method is a brilliant way to get through the season.
Good luck against the paperClips.
Sun Aug 17, 2008 1:47 pm
Lamrock wrote:I haven't been following this one too much due to the lack of visual flare. This is actually one of the more interesting and well-written dynasties. Interesting team and fun read. However, this needs some rich text and pictures (not necessarily in-game, but just logos and such) in the worst way possible. Improve your template a bit, and there is no reason why this can't be one of the major dynasties here.
Also, the play one season series, sim the rest method is a brilliant way to get through the season.
Lamrock, I appreciate your feedback and wish I could comply to get better readership. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to do any visual design. I'm just a step above a typewriter and NBA Live for the SNES.
The Clips series is forthcoming, but I've been major-league bogged down at work. Thank you for the well wishes.
Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:29 pm
Grabowski sinks Clippers
Timberwolves 113, Clippers 109
MINNEAPOLIS--After an all-star appearance this year, leading the league in blocked shots, and career highs in points, rebounds, and steals, Florjan Grabowski has finally proven that he has arrived. In a hotly contested game, Grabowski posted a triple double and tied an NBA playoff record with ten blocked shots in a 113-to-109 win over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers.
“He’s here,” assistant coach Eric Musselman said, “and he’s ready to prove his mettle on the world’s biggest stage.”
Grabowski finished the game with 32 points, sixteen rebounds, and ten blocked shots—the first playoff triple double in Timberwolves history. His ten blocked shots tie him with Mark Eaton and Hakeem Olajuwon in a feat that has not been matched in the past twenty years.
“I have no sense of the history of this,” Grabowski said, “but Coach [Musselman] told me he has tapes of Olajuwon. This is a great learning experience for me.”
Apostolos Kanioridis recorded twenty-two points and Eddie Griffin netted twenty-one for the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves recorded only twenty-seven bench points despite extended minutes to the Wolves bench crew.
“What’s important is that the big players had big games,” Wolves Coach Jay Wright said, “it happened for the Clippers and it happened for us. The fans would have it no other way.”
Despite 32 points and ten rebounds from Corey Maggette, it was Elton Brand’s defensive game that spoke volumes. Brand was relatively quiet with nineteen points, but his twenty-two rebounds and four blocked shots set the tone for the Clippers, who held the lead until the 3:14 mark in the fourth quarter.
“Brand’s defensive game was hard to top,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, Sr., said, “but three of a kind always beats two pair, and the big guy cleaned up on Elton and Corey, plain and simple.”
Around the League
#1 Dallas 76, #8 Houston 71
#3 New Orleans 97, #6 Sacramento 87
#2 Phoenix 107, #7 San Antonio 85
Phoenix had eight players in double figures, led by Nash with 19. Duncan has 11 points and 20 rebounds.
#1 Philadelphia 100, #8 Washington 76
Third year PF Ignacio Izquierdo nets 33 points as Philadelphia rolls.
#5 Atlanta 102, #4 Boston 85
Kevin Garnett goes off again, this time for 37 points and 11 rebounds, but the Celtics still fall to the Hawks.
#6 Cleveland 100, #3 Orlando 91
#2 Indiana 94, #7 Detroit 88
Side Note: Sorry for the delay. Work has me buggered.
Timberwolves 113, Clippers 109
MINNEAPOLIS--After an all-star appearance this year, leading the league in blocked shots, and career highs in points, rebounds, and steals, Florjan Grabowski has finally proven that he has arrived. In a hotly contested game, Grabowski posted a triple double and tied an NBA playoff record with ten blocked shots in a 113-to-109 win over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers.
“He’s here,” assistant coach Eric Musselman said, “and he’s ready to prove his mettle on the world’s biggest stage.”
Grabowski finished the game with 32 points, sixteen rebounds, and ten blocked shots—the first playoff triple double in Timberwolves history. His ten blocked shots tie him with Mark Eaton and Hakeem Olajuwon in a feat that has not been matched in the past twenty years.
“I have no sense of the history of this,” Grabowski said, “but Coach [Musselman] told me he has tapes of Olajuwon. This is a great learning experience for me.”
Apostolos Kanioridis recorded twenty-two points and Eddie Griffin netted twenty-one for the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves recorded only twenty-seven bench points despite extended minutes to the Wolves bench crew.
“What’s important is that the big players had big games,” Wolves Coach Jay Wright said, “it happened for the Clippers and it happened for us. The fans would have it no other way.”
Despite 32 points and ten rebounds from Corey Maggette, it was Elton Brand’s defensive game that spoke volumes. Brand was relatively quiet with nineteen points, but his twenty-two rebounds and four blocked shots set the tone for the Clippers, who held the lead until the 3:14 mark in the fourth quarter.
“Brand’s defensive game was hard to top,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, Sr., said, “but three of a kind always beats two pair, and the big guy cleaned up on Elton and Corey, plain and simple.”
Around the League
#1 Dallas 76, #8 Houston 71
#3 New Orleans 97, #6 Sacramento 87
#2 Phoenix 107, #7 San Antonio 85
Phoenix had eight players in double figures, led by Nash with 19. Duncan has 11 points and 20 rebounds.
#1 Philadelphia 100, #8 Washington 76
Third year PF Ignacio Izquierdo nets 33 points as Philadelphia rolls.
#5 Atlanta 102, #4 Boston 85
Kevin Garnett goes off again, this time for 37 points and 11 rebounds, but the Celtics still fall to the Hawks.
#6 Cleveland 100, #3 Orlando 91
#2 Indiana 94, #7 Detroit 88
Side Note: Sorry for the delay. Work has me buggered.
Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:57 pm
Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:46 am
great article on Flo-Bo
he reminds me of andris biedrins of my hometown GSW's; but he's become more like Hungary's, "Yao" - an international hero
only read the last recap + background article but plan to read from the start when i get a chance; nicely done
he reminds me of andris biedrins of my hometown GSW's; but he's become more like Hungary's, "Yao" - an international hero
only read the last recap + background article but plan to read from the start when i get a chance; nicely done
Sat Sep 13, 2008 3:14 pm
LOS ANGELES—After a strong showing the other night in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves came back down to earth. The Clippers trounced the Timberwolves, going up 34-to-14 after the first quarter and eventually winning by a final score of 121-to-104. Chris Kaman got his revenge on Florjan Grabowski with a thirty-two point, eleven rebound effort to lead the Clippers as the Timberwolves never challenged Los Angeles’ stranglehold on the game.
“Florjan got in foul trouble early,” Coach Jay Wright said, “and after that Brand and Kaman had their way from start to finish.”
Brand posted a twenty point, twelve rebound, and five block effort for the Clippers.
The news got worse for Grabowski after the game. Long considered a shoo-in for the Defensive player of the year, Grabowski lost out to former Timberwolf Kevin Garnett.
“I’m more upset about the game,” Grabowski said, “I’ll have another chance for the awards, but I can sense a change coming for the Timberwolves. If we do not win this year, I have a feeling that a lot of the teammates will leave through free agency. I like the make-up of our team and I love this city and its fans. It will be hard to see some big changes.”
Apostolos Kanioridis had twenty-two points, six rebounds, and four steals to lead the Timberwolves in defeat. Grabowski, fresh off of a career game, posted fourteen points and seven rebounds in limited minutes.
Around the League
#1 Dallas 125, #8 Houston 92
Dallas, led by Dirk Nowitzki’s thirty points, had four players score twenty or more as Dallas rolled over host Houston.
#3 Sacramento 90, #6 New Orleans 83
Yao Ming has twenty points and ten rebounds as Sacramento grinds it out in the fourth against New Orleans.
#7 San Antonio 84, #2 Phoenix 83
#1 Philadelphia 101, #8 Washington 89
Washington’s Jason Richardson had 35 points in the loss.
#4 Boston 101, #5 Atlanta 89
MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett nets 33 and 13 as the Celtics defeat the Hawks.
#3 Cleveland 109, #6 Orlando 100
King James tallies 26 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists in a matchup against up and comer Eduardo Hamilton, who finished with twenty-four points.
Indiana 98, Detroit 79
Post-Season Individual Awards
Most Valuable Player: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
27.8 ppg 12.8 rpg 5.4 apg 2.91 bpg 1.95 stls
Most Improved Player: Apostolos Kanioridis, Minnesota Timberwolves
Points increased from 21.05 to 21.91. Assists Increased from 2.95 to 3.12. Rebounds increased from 5.65 to 6.93. Blocks increase, steals increase, free throws attempted increase by seventy, field goal percentage increase of .027.
Defensive Player of the Year: Garnett, Boston
Rookie of the Year: Armando Ribeiro, pg, Golden State Warriors
4.4 ppg, 11.1 mpg
Sixth Man of the Year Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
12.9 ppg, 16.6 mpg
“Florjan got in foul trouble early,” Coach Jay Wright said, “and after that Brand and Kaman had their way from start to finish.”
Brand posted a twenty point, twelve rebound, and five block effort for the Clippers.
The news got worse for Grabowski after the game. Long considered a shoo-in for the Defensive player of the year, Grabowski lost out to former Timberwolf Kevin Garnett.
“I’m more upset about the game,” Grabowski said, “I’ll have another chance for the awards, but I can sense a change coming for the Timberwolves. If we do not win this year, I have a feeling that a lot of the teammates will leave through free agency. I like the make-up of our team and I love this city and its fans. It will be hard to see some big changes.”
Apostolos Kanioridis had twenty-two points, six rebounds, and four steals to lead the Timberwolves in defeat. Grabowski, fresh off of a career game, posted fourteen points and seven rebounds in limited minutes.
Around the League
#1 Dallas 125, #8 Houston 92
Dallas, led by Dirk Nowitzki’s thirty points, had four players score twenty or more as Dallas rolled over host Houston.
#3 Sacramento 90, #6 New Orleans 83
Yao Ming has twenty points and ten rebounds as Sacramento grinds it out in the fourth against New Orleans.
#7 San Antonio 84, #2 Phoenix 83
#1 Philadelphia 101, #8 Washington 89
Washington’s Jason Richardson had 35 points in the loss.
#4 Boston 101, #5 Atlanta 89
MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett nets 33 and 13 as the Celtics defeat the Hawks.
#3 Cleveland 109, #6 Orlando 100
King James tallies 26 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists in a matchup against up and comer Eduardo Hamilton, who finished with twenty-four points.
Indiana 98, Detroit 79
Post-Season Individual Awards
Most Valuable Player: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
27.8 ppg 12.8 rpg 5.4 apg 2.91 bpg 1.95 stls
Most Improved Player: Apostolos Kanioridis, Minnesota Timberwolves
Points increased from 21.05 to 21.91. Assists Increased from 2.95 to 3.12. Rebounds increased from 5.65 to 6.93. Blocks increase, steals increase, free throws attempted increase by seventy, field goal percentage increase of .027.
Defensive Player of the Year: Garnett, Boston
Rookie of the Year: Armando Ribeiro, pg, Golden State Warriors
4.4 ppg, 11.1 mpg
Sixth Man of the Year Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
12.9 ppg, 16.6 mpg
Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:51 am
Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:27 am
Wolves Win in Shoot-out, Take First Series Lead
Minnesota 109, Los Angeles 106
MINNEAPOLIS—It has been six years since the Timberwolves last escaped first round doom. Last night’s affair at the Target Center has given the Wolves one large push towards moving on for the first time since The Big Ticket and Company lost to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
Eddie Griffin, just two games removed from a forty-five point explosion, scored twenty-four points and picked up fourteen rebounds before fouling out with six minutes to go in this tightly contested second-half shootout.
“We went cold in the first half. Apostolos [Kanioridis], Sam [Cooke], and I couldn’t find the basket with a telescope,” Griffin said, “but we got hot and just kept the pace until the end.”
The Timberwolves held onto the lead throughout the fourth quarter, but survived a scare at the buzzer that would’ve sent the game into overtime when Clippers guard Daniel Dos Santos missed a game-tying three pointer.
“Our defense broke down,” assistant coach Eric Musselman said, “nobody covered Dos Santos on the switch, and he had a wide open three. We’re just lucky he missed.”
Leading scorer Apostolos Kaniordis rebounded from a rough first half to finish with twenty-seven points, including 8-of-8 from the line, on 9-of-25 shooting from the floor. Florjan Grabowski, again not rebounding the ball up to par against the agile Chris Kaman of the Clippers, scored twenty points and had six blocked shots for the Timberwolves, while fellow third-year player Sam Cooke struggled from the floor, mustering only one basket on twelve attempts.
“With both Florjan and Sammy struggling,” Griffin said, “it’s not like we had much margin for error. Then, when you look at how the Clippers did, you realize how narrow that margin of error actually was.”
Corey Maggette (27 points) led the charge for the Clippers, who also saw strong showings from Kaman (23 points, 17 rebounds), Brand (15 rebounds), Pargo (21 points) and Dos Santos (18 points).
With the win, the Wolves creep ever so close to clinching a trip to the second round. They will play the Clippers at the Staples Center with a chance to advance while on the road and play the Dallas Mavericks, who swept their series against the Rockets earlier this week.
Around the League
Sacramento 97, New Orleans 96
The Kings advance, 4-to-1, to meet the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix 104, San Antonio 92
The Suns defeat the Spurs and advance, 4-to-1.
Philadelphia 97, Washington 87
Overcoming 21 points and 16 rebounds from Antawn Jamison, the Sixers win to advance 4-to-1.
Atlanta 96, Boston 75
The Hawks overpower The Big Ticket and Ray Allen.
Cleveland 103, Orlando 80
King James and the Cavs overcome 26 points and 14 rebounds from Dwight Howard and Cleveland moves on to meet Indiana in the second round.
Minnesota 109, Los Angeles 106
MINNEAPOLIS—It has been six years since the Timberwolves last escaped first round doom. Last night’s affair at the Target Center has given the Wolves one large push towards moving on for the first time since The Big Ticket and Company lost to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
Eddie Griffin, just two games removed from a forty-five point explosion, scored twenty-four points and picked up fourteen rebounds before fouling out with six minutes to go in this tightly contested second-half shootout.
“We went cold in the first half. Apostolos [Kanioridis], Sam [Cooke], and I couldn’t find the basket with a telescope,” Griffin said, “but we got hot and just kept the pace until the end.”
The Timberwolves held onto the lead throughout the fourth quarter, but survived a scare at the buzzer that would’ve sent the game into overtime when Clippers guard Daniel Dos Santos missed a game-tying three pointer.
“Our defense broke down,” assistant coach Eric Musselman said, “nobody covered Dos Santos on the switch, and he had a wide open three. We’re just lucky he missed.”
Leading scorer Apostolos Kaniordis rebounded from a rough first half to finish with twenty-seven points, including 8-of-8 from the line, on 9-of-25 shooting from the floor. Florjan Grabowski, again not rebounding the ball up to par against the agile Chris Kaman of the Clippers, scored twenty points and had six blocked shots for the Timberwolves, while fellow third-year player Sam Cooke struggled from the floor, mustering only one basket on twelve attempts.
“With both Florjan and Sammy struggling,” Griffin said, “it’s not like we had much margin for error. Then, when you look at how the Clippers did, you realize how narrow that margin of error actually was.”
Corey Maggette (27 points) led the charge for the Clippers, who also saw strong showings from Kaman (23 points, 17 rebounds), Brand (15 rebounds), Pargo (21 points) and Dos Santos (18 points).
With the win, the Wolves creep ever so close to clinching a trip to the second round. They will play the Clippers at the Staples Center with a chance to advance while on the road and play the Dallas Mavericks, who swept their series against the Rockets earlier this week.
Around the League
Sacramento 97, New Orleans 96
The Kings advance, 4-to-1, to meet the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix 104, San Antonio 92
The Suns defeat the Spurs and advance, 4-to-1.
Philadelphia 97, Washington 87
Overcoming 21 points and 16 rebounds from Antawn Jamison, the Sixers win to advance 4-to-1.
Atlanta 96, Boston 75
The Hawks overpower The Big Ticket and Ray Allen.
Cleveland 103, Orlando 80
King James and the Cavs overcome 26 points and 14 rebounds from Dwight Howard and Cleveland moves on to meet Indiana in the second round.
Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:11 am
Stranded!
Lots of Disqualifications, Long Distance Shooting Highlight Clippers Win
LOS ANGELES—Los Angelinos are familiar with the impossible—games that are nearly surreal, and almost totally unbelievable when the dust settles. Jerry West, the 2002 Western Conference Finals against the Sacramento Kings, and the rise and fall of Danny Manning represent the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Los Angeles basketball. The Timberwolves wanted just a piece of that. However, last night’s 123-to-120 Clippers overtime win might represent the biggest loss that Minnesota has had to Los Angeles since losing the Lakers franchise in 1960.
The Timberwolves just needed to hold on to a late 99-to-96 lead to climb back into the second round and face Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and the Dallas Mavericks in round two. Instead, a turnover by Florjan Grabowski and a missed three by Hedo Turkoglu set up a 103-to-103 tie at the end of regulation and an eventual overtime loss.
Daniel Dos Santos had 33 points, twelve in the overtime period, as the Clippers extended the series to a climactic game seven, to be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis later this week.
“We didn’t want to go back to Minneapolis without the win,” Coach Jay Wright said, “they have absolutely no fear on our floor—no fear at all.”
Florjan Grabowski bust loose from his mid-series funk, as he amassed a career playoff high of 38 points to go with fifteen rebounds and five blocked shots. However, Grabowski and the other two members of Minnesota’s big three fouled out before the game was decided.
“I can’t help my team from the bench,” Grabowski said, “they count on me for interior defense, especially when Eddie [Griffin] is already out.”
With Griffin and Grabowski out of the game, the Clippers relied on the inside-outside game of Chris Kaman and Daniel Dos Santos to give Los Angeles a 9-to-0 overtime run and almost close out any possibility of a Timberwolves comeback.
“We got little solace in the fact that Elton Brand fouled out,” reserve guard Dan Dickau said, “even before the overtime, when the game was still there for the taking, they were living at the line.”
The disparity at the line was obvious, as the final difference was that of 42-to-20 from the charity stripe. Elton Brand, however, preferred to get his points two at a time, finishing with twenty-seven points on twelve-of-fifteen from the field before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
“There were a lot of big games here. Kaman and Grabowski. Me and Griffin. Daniel [Dos Santos] all by himself,” Brand said, “we’re giving the fans what they want to see, and that’s something. It’d be like the Royals and the Cubs in the World Series—we both feel lucky to be here because we know that there are some really good teams that didn’t get this far.”
Brand’s comments could be considered a subtle jab at that other other Staples Center team, the Lakers, who have somewhat miraculously found themselves on the outside looking in for each of the past two seasons.
This leaves the series knotted at three with game seven the determining factor for what was for a long time—up until the twenty-first century—considered impossible: either the Timberwolves or the Clippers meeting the Mavericks in the second round.
The loser gets stranded, again.
Lots of Disqualifications, Long Distance Shooting Highlight Clippers Win
LOS ANGELES—Los Angelinos are familiar with the impossible—games that are nearly surreal, and almost totally unbelievable when the dust settles. Jerry West, the 2002 Western Conference Finals against the Sacramento Kings, and the rise and fall of Danny Manning represent the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Los Angeles basketball. The Timberwolves wanted just a piece of that. However, last night’s 123-to-120 Clippers overtime win might represent the biggest loss that Minnesota has had to Los Angeles since losing the Lakers franchise in 1960.
The Timberwolves just needed to hold on to a late 99-to-96 lead to climb back into the second round and face Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and the Dallas Mavericks in round two. Instead, a turnover by Florjan Grabowski and a missed three by Hedo Turkoglu set up a 103-to-103 tie at the end of regulation and an eventual overtime loss.
Daniel Dos Santos had 33 points, twelve in the overtime period, as the Clippers extended the series to a climactic game seven, to be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis later this week.
“We didn’t want to go back to Minneapolis without the win,” Coach Jay Wright said, “they have absolutely no fear on our floor—no fear at all.”
Florjan Grabowski bust loose from his mid-series funk, as he amassed a career playoff high of 38 points to go with fifteen rebounds and five blocked shots. However, Grabowski and the other two members of Minnesota’s big three fouled out before the game was decided.
“I can’t help my team from the bench,” Grabowski said, “they count on me for interior defense, especially when Eddie [Griffin] is already out.”
With Griffin and Grabowski out of the game, the Clippers relied on the inside-outside game of Chris Kaman and Daniel Dos Santos to give Los Angeles a 9-to-0 overtime run and almost close out any possibility of a Timberwolves comeback.
“We got little solace in the fact that Elton Brand fouled out,” reserve guard Dan Dickau said, “even before the overtime, when the game was still there for the taking, they were living at the line.”
The disparity at the line was obvious, as the final difference was that of 42-to-20 from the charity stripe. Elton Brand, however, preferred to get his points two at a time, finishing with twenty-seven points on twelve-of-fifteen from the field before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
“There were a lot of big games here. Kaman and Grabowski. Me and Griffin. Daniel [Dos Santos] all by himself,” Brand said, “we’re giving the fans what they want to see, and that’s something. It’d be like the Royals and the Cubs in the World Series—we both feel lucky to be here because we know that there are some really good teams that didn’t get this far.”
Brand’s comments could be considered a subtle jab at that other other Staples Center team, the Lakers, who have somewhat miraculously found themselves on the outside looking in for each of the past two seasons.
This leaves the series knotted at three with game seven the determining factor for what was for a long time—up until the twenty-first century—considered impossible: either the Timberwolves or the Clippers meeting the Mavericks in the second round.
The loser gets stranded, again.
Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:31 pm
Wolves Break Through, Set Sights on Dallas
Timberwolves 109, Clippers 105
MINNEAPOLIS—At long last, the Timberwolves are headed back to the second round.
Florjan Grabowski painted his masterpiece, but sat out the critical closing minutes from the bench, as the Timberwolves made a closing push to clip the Clippers in Game Seven of the Western Conference first round. The Timberwolves responded by hitting all of their free throws but one down the stretch on the way to a narrow 109-to-105 victory over visiting Los Angeles.
“As important as Florjan is to the team,” Timberwolves coach Jay Wright said, “with a career 24.8 percent free-throw shooter on the floor, it’s just too tempting for the other team to hack away.”
Florjan Grabowski scored twenty-three points, grabbed nineteen rebounds, and blocked six shots on the way to player of the game honors. As has lately been the trend, Grabowski traded offense for defense in the second half and blocked three shots in the fourth quarter alone.
“It’s important that I get my points early,” Grabowski said, “because other players can heat up a lot more easily than I can.”
Among those players with the hot hand, Eddie Griffin had nineteen points, eleven rebounds, and four blocks before fouling out. His replacement, Danny Soto, added ten points in relief. Apostolos Kanioridis, suffering from one of the worst shooting nights of his young career, 4-for-19 from the field, finished with twenty-two points to wrap things up for the Timberwolves.
“I can score from the line,” Kanioridis said, “and when I step to the line, I know I’m going to score.”
Whether two guaranteed makes or not, the Clippers extended what first appeared to be a relative grind it out game from the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves, ahead by a score of 98-to-94, shot twelve free throws, converting eleven of them, to close out the last ninety seconds of the game.
“We banked on trading two for one every time down the court,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said, “but while we did our part, they didn’t do theirs.”
In the losing effort, the Clippers tallied thirty-five points and seven assists from back-up point guard Jannero Pargo and twenty-five points from Daniel dos Santos. Chris Kaman contributed twenty points and nine rebounds in a losing campaign.
“If we fall out of the playoffs and this is our last chance,” Elton Brand said, “fans won’t be talking about the early injury to Shawn [Livingston], they will be talking about the amazing play of Jannero Pargo and his emergence when we needed him the most.”
With the win, the Timberwolves move on to face Dirk Nowitzki and the star-studded Dallas Mavericks squad, which includes Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and Andre Miller.
“The way that we let dos Santos and Pargo walk all over us in game seven has me worried,” assistant coach Eric Musselman said of the affair. “Their backcourt might be old, but advanced age only means so much when you’ve got talent like that.”
Timberwolves 109, Clippers 105
MINNEAPOLIS—At long last, the Timberwolves are headed back to the second round.
Florjan Grabowski painted his masterpiece, but sat out the critical closing minutes from the bench, as the Timberwolves made a closing push to clip the Clippers in Game Seven of the Western Conference first round. The Timberwolves responded by hitting all of their free throws but one down the stretch on the way to a narrow 109-to-105 victory over visiting Los Angeles.
“As important as Florjan is to the team,” Timberwolves coach Jay Wright said, “with a career 24.8 percent free-throw shooter on the floor, it’s just too tempting for the other team to hack away.”
Florjan Grabowski scored twenty-three points, grabbed nineteen rebounds, and blocked six shots on the way to player of the game honors. As has lately been the trend, Grabowski traded offense for defense in the second half and blocked three shots in the fourth quarter alone.
“It’s important that I get my points early,” Grabowski said, “because other players can heat up a lot more easily than I can.”
Among those players with the hot hand, Eddie Griffin had nineteen points, eleven rebounds, and four blocks before fouling out. His replacement, Danny Soto, added ten points in relief. Apostolos Kanioridis, suffering from one of the worst shooting nights of his young career, 4-for-19 from the field, finished with twenty-two points to wrap things up for the Timberwolves.
“I can score from the line,” Kanioridis said, “and when I step to the line, I know I’m going to score.”
Whether two guaranteed makes or not, the Clippers extended what first appeared to be a relative grind it out game from the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves, ahead by a score of 98-to-94, shot twelve free throws, converting eleven of them, to close out the last ninety seconds of the game.
“We banked on trading two for one every time down the court,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said, “but while we did our part, they didn’t do theirs.”
In the losing effort, the Clippers tallied thirty-five points and seven assists from back-up point guard Jannero Pargo and twenty-five points from Daniel dos Santos. Chris Kaman contributed twenty points and nine rebounds in a losing campaign.
“If we fall out of the playoffs and this is our last chance,” Elton Brand said, “fans won’t be talking about the early injury to Shawn [Livingston], they will be talking about the amazing play of Jannero Pargo and his emergence when we needed him the most.”
With the win, the Timberwolves move on to face Dirk Nowitzki and the star-studded Dallas Mavericks squad, which includes Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and Andre Miller.
“The way that we let dos Santos and Pargo walk all over us in game seven has me worried,” assistant coach Eric Musselman said of the affair. “Their backcourt might be old, but advanced age only means so much when you’ve got talent like that.”
Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:14 pm
On Nowitzki’s Tender Wings, Mavericks Soar.
[I] Dallas 116, Timberwolves 98
DALLAS – The Big Bavarian might listen to David Hasselhoff, but he also manages to dial up some fantastic games in front of the Dallas crowds. In his latest session of postseason heroics, Dirk Nowitzki posted 43 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 116-to-98 rout of the Timberwolves.
The Mavericks built a twenty-point halftime lead, and cruised the rest of the game behind thirty first half points from Nowitzki. It was especially telling of the timbre of the game considering that the Mavericks’ guard play was relegated to twelve points from Andre Miller and not much else. Rookie center Sean Fitzpatrick was second on the Mavericks in scoring with 23 points.
“When you win by eighteen, and you don’t get anything from Jason [Kidd], then you know that it was just your night,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said, “we know that we don’t have the series in hand, but we have to feel pretty good about the effort that we put in tonight.”
The Timberwolves were not without their own firepower, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Apostolos Kanioridis scored 22, while Florjan Grabowski scored twenty points to go with twelve rebounds and three blocks in the losing effort. Eddie Griffin provided a strong effort to counter the massive game by Nowitzki. He finished with seventeen points, thirteen rebounds, and four blocked shots for the Wolves.
“It wasn’t like we couldn’t keep ourselves in the game,” coach Jay Vincent said, “we just couldn’t match the firepower for the life of us.”
Despite twenty points, Florjan Grabowski mustered only 9-of-30 shooting His thirty percent shooting was only indicative of a greater trend, as the Timberwolves shot 38% from the field as a team.
“Let’s just out and say it,” Timberwolves guard Sam Cooke said, “the free throw line was the only thing that kept this game from getting embarrassing.”
The Timberwolves will have a chance to save face in game two of this match-up, against the Dallas Mavericks, later this week in Dallas.
[I] Dallas 116, Timberwolves 98
DALLAS – The Big Bavarian might listen to David Hasselhoff, but he also manages to dial up some fantastic games in front of the Dallas crowds. In his latest session of postseason heroics, Dirk Nowitzki posted 43 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 116-to-98 rout of the Timberwolves.
The Mavericks built a twenty-point halftime lead, and cruised the rest of the game behind thirty first half points from Nowitzki. It was especially telling of the timbre of the game considering that the Mavericks’ guard play was relegated to twelve points from Andre Miller and not much else. Rookie center Sean Fitzpatrick was second on the Mavericks in scoring with 23 points.
“When you win by eighteen, and you don’t get anything from Jason [Kidd], then you know that it was just your night,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said, “we know that we don’t have the series in hand, but we have to feel pretty good about the effort that we put in tonight.”
The Timberwolves were not without their own firepower, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Apostolos Kanioridis scored 22, while Florjan Grabowski scored twenty points to go with twelve rebounds and three blocks in the losing effort. Eddie Griffin provided a strong effort to counter the massive game by Nowitzki. He finished with seventeen points, thirteen rebounds, and four blocked shots for the Wolves.
“It wasn’t like we couldn’t keep ourselves in the game,” coach Jay Vincent said, “we just couldn’t match the firepower for the life of us.”
Despite twenty points, Florjan Grabowski mustered only 9-of-30 shooting His thirty percent shooting was only indicative of a greater trend, as the Timberwolves shot 38% from the field as a team.
“Let’s just out and say it,” Timberwolves guard Sam Cooke said, “the free throw line was the only thing that kept this game from getting embarrassing.”
The Timberwolves will have a chance to save face in game two of this match-up, against the Dallas Mavericks, later this week in Dallas.
Re: Griffin Lives! Timberwolves Dynasty (LIVE 07)
Tue Jun 15, 2010 6:03 am
After a long hiatus, Griffin Lives will return, although the entries may be sporadic. Sorry for the long wait!