My favorite statistic heading into last night's game was a Tweet I noticed about the Timberwolves "selling" 15,000 tickets for last night's game. Seeing that I already know each season ticket holder received two extra tickets for last night's game, I figured that statement was damn near fraudulent. However, as I approached downtown heading north on Hiawatha, I noticed heavier and heavier traffic. Could this be Wolves traffic? No, it couldn't. It was Hollidazzle traffic.<-- He's Ricky Rubio. He's not like anybody.
Little has changed downtown since I last had season tickets three years ago. There's less crappy, empty bars and stores in Block E (who would have known Mrs. Fields would outlast everyone?), and Champps is now Smalleys. One thing is for sure, though, the product I saw last night was better than what I saw the past five - seven seasons. I know it's just preseason, but the ball movement and talent is simply better. The Wolves still have to improve in a lot of areas, but I think we're going to see a lot of triple digit scores (for both teams) and some highlight-worthy plays.
At the beginning, I was slightly disappointed that Adelman marched out last year's starting lineup. The last thing this team needed (and needs) is any continuity from last season. However, that lineup did a nice job holding the lead in the third quarter. The Wolves ultimately held on for a 117-96 victory behind some impressive (62.5 %!) three-point shooting. Here's the box score.
Obviously, the Wolves are not going to continue to shoot over 60% from the three-point line; however, with the passing skills of Rubio, Love and Barrea (and hopefully Luke Ridnour choosing to play some competent minutes at PG), the Wolves should get a lot of open looks with the kind of movement Adelman is installing. I would like to see a little more scoring in the paint, but, again, any steps forward are good steps for this franchise.
Again, the best feeling I had was that the product just seemed better. I look forward to heading to Target Center for 33 games this season. Some quick observations:
- I know Love improved his range last season, but I still kind of cringed when he gunned threes. Now, he looks like a natural. Congratulations, in advance, on that max contract.
- I was very pleased by Derrick Williams' range. I was not very pleased by how long it took to get him in the game.
- Beasley filled the point column very quietly. I remember asking my buddy Ryan if he remembered any of Beasley's 17 points (this was, obviously, before the end of the game and before he scored four more points). Neither of us did.
- I very much disliked Wes Johnson only scoring 5 points on 1-6 shooting. If he can't get open and sink shots, he may be no good to us.
- The Wolves need to find a way to score in the paint. If Love is going to be on the perimeter more, we're going to miss some of his put-backs on offensive boards. I'm hoping Derrick Williams is the answer.
- As the only person not to comment on it much, I enjoyed Rubio's first game. It has been a long time since this team had a player that could find someone open. I think Barrea will be good at this, too, when he gets in the lane.
I'm rusty, but I'm hoping to have a game recap for all home games, and I'll even put some up on televised road games. It's good to have the NBA back.
At the beginning, I was slightly disappointed that Adelman marched out last year's starting lineup. The last thing this team needed (and needs) is any continuity from last season. However, that lineup did a nice job holding the lead in the third quarter. The Wolves ultimately held on for a 117-96 victory behind some impressive (62.5 %!) three-point shooting. Here's the box score.
Obviously, the Wolves are not going to continue to shoot over 60% from the three-point line; however, with the passing skills of Rubio, Love and Barrea (and hopefully Luke Ridnour choosing to play some competent minutes at PG), the Wolves should get a lot of open looks with the kind of movement Adelman is installing. I would like to see a little more scoring in the paint, but, again, any steps forward are good steps for this franchise.
Again, the best feeling I had was that the product just seemed better. I look forward to heading to Target Center for 33 games this season. Some quick observations:
- I know Love improved his range last season, but I still kind of cringed when he gunned threes. Now, he looks like a natural. Congratulations, in advance, on that max contract.
- I was very pleased by Derrick Williams' range. I was not very pleased by how long it took to get him in the game.
- Beasley filled the point column very quietly. I remember asking my buddy Ryan if he remembered any of Beasley's 17 points (this was, obviously, before the end of the game and before he scored four more points). Neither of us did.
- I very much disliked Wes Johnson only scoring 5 points on 1-6 shooting. If he can't get open and sink shots, he may be no good to us.
- The Wolves need to find a way to score in the paint. If Love is going to be on the perimeter more, we're going to miss some of his put-backs on offensive boards. I'm hoping Derrick Williams is the answer.
- As the only person not to comment on it much, I enjoyed Rubio's first game. It has been a long time since this team had a player that could find someone open. I think Barrea will be good at this, too, when he gets in the lane.
I'm rusty, but I'm hoping to have a game recap for all home games, and I'll even put some up on televised road games. It's good to have the NBA back.
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