Minnesota Timberwolves – Reunited and it feels soo good!

[Else]

Gamplay Settings:
Game: NBA Live 2007
Skill Level: All-Star
Sliders: Custom
Quarter Length: 7min
Length of Season: 82 games
Playoffs: 7-7-7-7
Rosters: NLSC Opening Day
Simulated Games: 12min / Intervention

[Else]

What was said…


Asked if he would like to play with his former point guard, Garnett said: “I have no beef with Steph. I’ve never had a problem with Steph on the court. ... You ask him, ‘Can you play with me?”’

Reporters asked Marbury about reuniting with Garnett, “In New York that’d be great.”.. What about Minnesota? “Nah.”


What happened next…


Minneapolis Star Tribune
Today saw the culmination of weeks of speculation as we will again see Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury, together, on the court, at the same time, on the same team. After talks went back and forth between various parties, it was Minnesota’s Kevin McHale (Vice President of Basketball Operations) who came out to face the press with the biggest smile, signalling what could be a significant date in Timberwolves’ history.

Mchale stated “Ladies and Gentleman, members of the press. Please would you welcome alongside me, Minnesota Timberwolves Kevin Garnett and…. Well someone who we wanted to come back to us to rectify the wrong’s of his leaving, your new Minnesota Timberwolve… Stephon Marbury!”

It was the announcement everyone involved in Minnesota basketball wanted to hear. Its not just the upgrade in talent on the team, its more the chance to see two superstars headline for the Timberwolves and try to put behind the aura of ‘What could have been’ and move onto a future of ‘What will be’.

Marbury, who had previously ruled out ever moving back to Minnesota, was said to have been impressed by the commitment shown by the T’Wolves during negotiations. He stated “My agent contacted me after talks between the Knicks and Wolves broke down in an attempt to bring KG to the MSG. The next thing I knew, it was me being discussed and they proposed a package to take me back and here we are today”

Known as ‘Starbury’ for his immense talent on the court, his addition alongside KG will push Minnesota to the forefront in their race to win their first championship. Marbury was quoted as saying “I said never, but these days you play bball were you are wanted. I had a great time with the Wolves and with KG alongside, this team could go over the edge. You know im a winner, I want rings, KG wants rings and Minnesota deserves championships.”

Garnett was also delighted with the deal and with the rumours surrounding his future now canned, he feels he can get on with his game and keep producing for the Timberwolves. KG “It’s the deal I wanted and needed. This team has come a long way since ive been here, but we were close to going over the edge when Steph was here before. Minnesota are just waiting for a championship run, I know my game will improve with Steph on the court, the rest of the guys are excited, we have a real chance of doing something special for ourselves, the fans and the city.

5 players were included in the deal that saw Marbury join the Wolves, as Center Kelvin Cato also came across to Minnesota, whilst New York received; Mark Blount C, Troy Hudson G and Mike James G.

New York were happy with the 3 fresh faces to compete on their roster, whilst also relieving themselves of a huge salary that came with Marbury. Knicks Head Coach Isiash Thomas said “Stephon gave a lot for the Knicks, but we felt he had become stale in the city and his status was holding the franchise back as we looked to build around him and not build for the team. Minnesota obviously know what he’s all about, but sometimes talent is not enough if the chemistry is not there. We now have the chance to assess the roster, add some different faces and shake up a losing team.”

What lays ahead? Well a bright future is what we hope for, a shot at the playoffs but definitely excitement as the Timberwolves are now in the NBA limelight, expectation is the word that could be the noose around this teams neck.

Kent Youngblood - Star Tribune

[Clutch]

his status was holding the franchise back

or do you mean 'The Franchise' as in Stevie?

Starbury, KG together again. Awesome man; look forward to seeing how this pans out

[Else]

Courtesy of NBA.com

Following one of the franchise's most eventful summers, the Minnesota Timberwolves today confirmed their starting lineup following a successful training camp that saw Stephon Marbury work out with his new teammates for the first time.

Forwards:

KG


Trenton Hassell

Guards:

Starbury


Marko Jaric

Center:

Kelvin Cato

The addition of Marbury has given the Timberwolves starting 5 a dominant look, however with solid bench players shifting to New York as part of the package, it could overworking that proves the Wolves downfall in a gruelling NBA season.

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 1st

Kings Rule in Minnesota
KG puts up 31 in tense opening day loss

Sacramento came through in the clutch as Starbury' choked on a 2 pointer from the paint, leaving the Kings 'Bibby' with 10 seconds to drain the game winning duece.

Kevin Garnett held up his end of the new duo's bargain, going 15/22 from the field and putting up 31pts. Marbury on the other hand hit just 3 shots culminating in 8pts, leaving alot of questions still to be answered over his real desire to comeback and achieve in Minnesota.

The Kings did look dead and buried going into the 4th, before Artest and Bibby combined for 4 shots from downtown as they put up a 15pt rally to overturn what was a 8pt defecit. Minnesota never fully recovered from this and with KG fouled out, it was down to the hapless Marbury to carry the team.

Madsen who started on the bench for the Timberwolves gets a special mention for his 14pt / 9Reb effort in replacement of Cato, who got benched early with a sore wrist.

FINAL:
Sacramento 95 Minnesota 94

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 0-1

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 3rd

KG Show Not Enough In Denver
Nuggets squeak it on back of Carmelo jumper

The 2nd straight heartbreaker for Minnesota, as they fail again to make the clutch shot, leaving the Nuggets with a 2pt win thanks to Carmelo Anthonys 8ft jumper on the games penultimate drive.

With 1 chance left to tie it, the Wolves tried to work it to 45pt star KG, however as he was doubled teamed, Trenton Hassell to the shot which he overcooked as it bounced back into the gleeful Nuggets arms.

Incredibly the Timberwolves failed to backup Kevin Garnetts standout 45pt 10Reb show, as Marbury although creating 10 assists again failed to make his mark on the score with a paultry 5pts.

Denver themselves were led by Carmelo Anthony and none more so than his game winning jumper, that left the arena in raptures. The Nuggets also showed their force on defence with 10 blocks as they took the category away from a tough showing by both defences.

Minnesota know they need to find production beyond KG, as his 31 & 45pt games have not been taken advantage of in the win column.

FINAL:
Minnesota 100 Denver 102

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 0-2

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 4th

Duo Trailblaze in Portland
The show begins, KG/Starbury combine for 50

Finally the Timberwolves came together as a team and were able to wrap up a convincing win on the road to open their W' account with a 112-107 victory in Portland.

For the first time since his return, Stephon Marbury played to his reknowned level and connected for 21pts, going 9/10 at the charity stripe. Finally KG had someone to compliment him, as his 29 show was backed up by not only Marbury but also a 19pt haul from Jaric that included a 3/6 show beyond the arc.

Randolph was the big man for the hosts with a 27pt / 14Reb effort, though it was Minnesota's brutal .500+ shooting in the game that left the Trailblazers wanting, as they combined for .460.

FINAL:
Minnesota 112 Portland 107

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 1-2

[hammertime23]

Are you simulating all of these games? or are you playing them? If you are playing them please feel free to post some nice screenshots from the game, and a more in-depth recap.

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 6th

Wolves Maul Kings
Timberwolves convincing in double digit win

Minnesota gain a little revenge from their opening day home loss to the Kings, as the roll out a 12pt win in a game that saw them hold a lead of 22pts through the 4th quarter.

The similarities in the Wolves back to back wins are that Marbury has performed and was able to backup the KG machine. In the opening two defeats Marbury managed just 13pts total. In the mauling of the Kings he hit a team high 22pts (tied with KG) as the superstars start to shine in Wolves colors.

Sacramento were never at the races, from a 31-11 1st quarter scoreline they failed to reduce the Wolves lead to under double digits. Martin, Bibby and Artest were again their go-to guys, however they went to nothing.

FINAL:
Minnesota 95 Sacramento 83

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 2-2

[Else]

Are you simulating all of these games? or are you playing them? If you are playing them please feel free to post some nice screenshots from the game, and a more in-depth recap.

Im playing each game, screens are to be added at some point, just awaiting a little photoshop goodness

[rl564411]

you got 07 rookies in your dynasty? (eg. Oden, durant...)

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 7th

W'innesota
Starbury sinks 29, leads Wolves against Lakers

The Lakers collapsed on the back of a 3pt 2nd half for Kobe Bryant, as the Wolves put up a 15pt swing to take the win in L.A.

Stephon Marbury was the main man hitting 29pts, whilst Eddie Griffin added a further 19, plus an impressive 12 rebounds in his double' double. KG could only manage 12 minutes on a rest night, but he still managed to shoot .666 on his way to 17pts.

Incredibly in a desperate 4th, the Lakers gave up 20pts from penalties. Minnesota ended up with 31pts (31/51) from the charity stripe, in what proved to be a costly tactic for the Lakers.

FINAL:
Minnesota 97 Los Angeles Lakers 90

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 3-2

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 11th

O O O its Magic!
KG in 30s, as Hill leads Magic in Minnesota

KGs 31 and Marburys 24 were not enough for a disappointing Minnesota side, who were resoundly beaten by a all-round showing from Grant Hills Orlando Magic.
Hill himself top scored with 22 for the Magic, who gained control early by exerting pressure on the boards in a game that saw them out rebound the Wolves 43-34.

Garnett and Marbury certainly led their team as best they could, putting up 55pts from 60 shots. However, the T'Wolves lack of depth shone through with no one else managing to hit double digits.

FINAL:
Orlando 106 Minnesota 87

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 3-3

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 14th

Crushed!
T'Wolves dominate, 6 players in double digits

Minnesota's lineup finally showed its true colors in an awe-inspiring battering of division rivals Portland.

6 Wolves hit double digit point tally's, as everyone contributed to backup yet another 30+ pt haul for KG.

Portland relied heavily on their starting 5 for production, but with KG in such form, the Trailblazers rarely got within 20pts of the lead and were left to nurse a 31pt beating at the Target Center.

Notably Hassell and Jaric combined for 32pts, relieving pressure from a tiring Marbury who has been nursing a minor knee strain and could sit for the next game, should he fail to make this weeks workout.

FINAL:
Portland 89 Minnesota 120

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 4-3

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 18th

Wolves Beat Off Hornets!
KG in the 40s, as T'Wolves take second straight

It was Garnett's 42 compared to Paul's 31 that proved to be the game winning performance as the top scorers both led their team from the get-go.

Yet again Minnesota had to rely on KGs unstoppable dominance to get the W', as Marbury bailed out with another single digit points haul. Jaric gets a special note with his 9/13, 19pts effort to give KG the backup needed. Whilst Trenton Hassell clattered the boards for 9Reb, although New Orleans Chandler outshone the game with 15 grabs.

The Timberwolves will take this performance and look to build on a 2 game streak, however concerns surrounding Marbury may have an adverse affect on their chemistry.

FINAL:
New Orleans 89 Minnesota 105

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 5-3

[theKING]

i like how this is arranged. as soon as u add some pics then i would consider this to be a great franchise. nice win against portldn and im excited to see starbury and kg back together again... u should try n bring back szcerbiak and unleash the old triple threat haha...

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 22nd

Knicks Schooled!
Marbury leads in assists, as New York receive lesson

The game was billed as a chance for Marbury to show New York what they were missing. However, his 7 assists would be overshadowed in what was another woeful day pulling the trigger going 3/17 from the field.

Turnovers proved crucial in a game that saw the T'Wolves hold a lead in the 30s through the 4th, as the Knicks coughed up the ball 18 times. Garnett again led Minnesota in points, however Reed with 19 and Griffins 10 showed the depth on the hosts bench.

New York failed to make any contribution to the game and slumped to 2-10, whilst Minnesota picked up their 3rd straight win to go 6-3.

FINAL:
New York 78 Minnesota 102

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 6-3

[Else]

Minneapolis Star Tribune

November 24th

Hornets Late Sting!
Garnett amazes and drains 50, as Marburys woes continue

The Hornets rally late to earn their 8th win of the year, as Marbury couldn't make the final shot to send this hum-dinger into overtime.

New Orleans relied on consistency and sound decisions, with Paul (28) Stojakovic (22) and Mason (15) top scoring for the Hornets. It was Stojakovic who would dunk the winning 2, before Marbury failed to drive inside effectively leaving him with a fade away that fell short of the rim.

In contrast it was another superstar showing from the workhorse Kevin Garnett as he put on 50pts and collected a game high 14 rebounds, in a performance that befitted a winning team.

Minnesota will now understand that they need to keep backin KG all the way, as his 1-man show is not enough for them to consistently get the wins required for a championship.

FINAL:
Minnesota 96 New Orleans 98

BOX SCORE

Timberwolves Tracker
Record: 6-4

[Else]

i like how this is arranged. as soon as u add some pics then i would consider this to be a great franchise. nice win against portldn and im excited to see starbury and kg back together again... u should try n bring back szcerbiak and unleash the old triple threat haha...

Thanks for the positive feedback, yeah pictures are my bugbear... I have them though am unsure how I want to add them, or even if they would add that much value.

Szcerbiak would cripple an already nasty payroll Though never say never