Two games into the rest of their lives, the Timberwolves are 2-0 with Pack at the backup helm. For a team that had dropped seven in a row, this is a positive development.
Pack was signed to a 10-day contract this week to play backup point guard behind Chauncey Billups. He is expected to remain with the Wolves for the rest of the season.
Pack scored 12 points against Toronto and four against Memphis, but beyond the points, his mere existence brought a lift to the team. If he, as expected, is signed for the rest of the season, he will be eligible for the postseason roster.
There is a danger of putting too much stock into the new point guard, of course. The Wolves learned as much after Marc Jackson was acquired from Golden State a few weeks ago. The bulky forward was stellar in his first few games with the Wolves, but now has tailed off badly. His minutes are miniscule and his contributions have been nearly nil.
Pack, 33, is a veteran of 10 years and six teams in the NBA. He was a free agent all season; last season he played 74 games with Denver. All the Wolves want him to do is eat up some minutes and spread the ball around. If he can score a little, all the better. . . .
The Wolves remain in a home-heavy portion of the schedule, and they need to win games to have any chance at gaining home court for the opening round of the playoffs.
Saturday night's game with Portland will be a good test, and Golden State (Tuesday) and Dallas (Thursday) also should shed a little light on where the Wolves stand.
POSITIONAL ANALYSIS
Point guard: The acquisition of Pack was more of a reflection on Avery than Billups, but point guard remains a weakness. Billups scored 19 and 11 points vs. Toronto and Memphis, with 14 total assists. The best thing Pack has shown is an ability to get to the free throw line. Grade: B-
Shooting guard: Wally Szczerbiak's scoring is down in the past two games and his defensive weaknesses were apparent against Memphis' Shane Battier. Felipe Lopez replaced Szczerbiak and did a better job defending. Grade: C
Small forward: Kevin Garnett is shooting well, getting rebounds and handing out plenty of assists. If the Wolves are to make a turnaround and get in contention for home court, Garnett must lead the way. It appears he might be ready for an outburst. Grade: A
Power forward: Joe Smith was replaced as a starter by Gary Trent for a short time, but has returned to the starting lineup. It might have been a wakeup call offensively, because Smith scored 12 points in each of the two games since returning to the starting five. Trent and Jackson provide ample, if inconsistent, minutes. Grade: C+
Center: Rasho Nesterovic scored 14 points vs. Toronto and 12 at Memphis, with rebound totals of 12 and eight. That is a vast improvement over what he has done in recent weeks, but there is little reason to expect Nesterovic to continue at this pace. Grade: C+
INJURY REPORT
PG Terrell Brandon: left knee synovitis (Feb. 13) Analysis: He had surgery and is done for the rest of the season, including the playoffs.
PG William Avery: knee (March 18) Analysis: He is not hurt, he is just parked on the injured list.
Kevin Garnett has been a monster this year. He's finally scoring like a superstar should. He's finally dominating by being aggressive on both sides of the floor. He's been more calm under pressure. That's a big part of his increased point totals and shooting percentages. When he stays cool rather than becoming a bottle of emotions, he's m,ore of a factor come crunch time.
By the Wolves huge win tonight, I would say that you are correct. Shaq looked fat and lazy the majority of the time that I spent watching it flipping from that kick ass Wild game.
It's nice to be a Minnesota sports fan tonight!
Unfortunately, the Twins almost came back and won but lost 3-4 to KC in the end.
For the Twins, it's still early in the season. For the Timberwolves, we need to win at least one game in LA. My prefence would be to win the next two games in LA. We'll see though.
Did anyone else see last night's game? That officiating was horrible. I was thinking that the refs were out to screw the Wolves and would do what they could to ensure the Lakers won. I'm so glad the Wolve won and stuck it in LA's face, and overcame the officiating.
Yeah, it's nice to see that Jack doesn't have pull over great talent. ;-) It was also nice to see Craig Kilborn and Jimmy Jam rooting for our boys in blue.
Shaquille O Neal is a great player, and I know he gets fouled and fouled hard a lot of times. He gets away with so much. Does he have the option of changing pivot feel to pick which he likes better? When he can't change his pivot feet, he apparently has the option of smashing his elbow into defenders to knock them down/out, as well as bowling them over with a shoulder. And Kobe, can you please quit whining about the calls you don't get, and be thankful for all that you guys get away with?
I know Shaq gets hacked a lot, but a good deal with that is because he can't hit free throws. You hit your free throws and they aren't going to foul you as much.
Eli, Rickert, Cassell, and Ervin Johnson can all play. Joe Smith was a total bust. A waste of first round draft picks. Peeler is a grandfather. He's at the end of the road.
I'd rather watch womens sychronized swimming before T'Wolves. WOmens golf is a close second. Just like baseball, if they would shorten the season up by lets say 100 games, it might catch my attention then.
Just wait, ninja... they'll catch it... come on... with all the moves, ya just gotta have hope that their gonna come around soon, right? Look at their starters... its the best all around they've had in a grip.
And this coming from me... I aint even that big of a basketball fan...
Im off all this week, thanks to the people at my work "cutting hours"... and yeah.. Im gonna be out looking for another job (or maybe 2) sometime today.
Actually im "still" up from last night... Oddly, I havent needed sleep the last couple days..
And how about that game tonight!! Finally put a decent effort out there for and entire four quarters, let's try to wrap this one up in Sacramento on Sunday, Go Wolves!!
In Kevin Garnett's defense, he wanted to get married this off-season. He played over 100 games counting preseason and playoffs and needed to rest. He also played for the olympic team in Sydney in 2000.
Some of those other guys though, I can't say the same for.
I dont think its cool to jump up right quick and call em cowards either....
Maybe after all the warnings about how U.S. people should be careful overseas or just simply not go, even with all the security and armed forces, they still didnt feel safe?
Yeah, they showed up... but their not as widely known, as  say someon like Shaquile O'Neal, who, being an american, and a famous one to boot, would make a great target for terrorism.
Two games into the rest
of their lives, the Timberwolves are 2-0 with Pack at the backup helm. For a
team that had dropped seven in a row, this is a positive development.
Pack was signed to a 10-day contract this week to play backup point guard
behind Chauncey Billups. He is expected to remain with the Wolves for the
rest of the season.
Pack scored 12 points against Toronto and four against
Memphis, but beyond the points, his mere existence brought a lift to the
team. If he, as expected, is signed for the rest of the season, he will be
eligible for the postseason roster.
There is a danger of putting too much stock into the new point guard, of
course. The Wolves learned as much after Marc Jackson was acquired from
Golden State a few weeks ago. The bulky forward was stellar in his first few
games with the Wolves, but now has tailed off badly. His minutes are
miniscule and his contributions have been nearly nil.
Pack, 33, is a veteran of 10 years and six teams in the NBA. He was a free
agent all season; last season he played 74 games with Denver. All the Wolves
want him to do is eat up some minutes and spread the ball around. If he can
score a little, all the better. . . .
The Wolves remain in a home-heavy portion of the schedule, and they need
to
win games to have any chance at gaining home court for the opening round of
the playoffs.
Saturday night's game with Portland will be a good test, and
Golden State (Tuesday) and Dallas (Thursday) also should shed a little light
on where the Wolves stand.
POSITIONAL ANALYSIS
Point guard: The acquisition of Pack was more of a reflection on Avery than Billups,
but point guard remains a weakness. Billups scored 19 and 11 points vs.
Toronto and Memphis, with 14 total assists. The best thing Pack has shown is
an ability to get to the free throw line. Grade: B-
Shooting guard: Wally Szczerbiak's scoring is down in the past two games and his
defensive weaknesses were apparent against Memphis' Shane Battier. Felipe
Lopez replaced Szczerbiak and did a better job defending. Grade: C
Small forward: Kevin Garnett is shooting well, getting rebounds and handing out plenty
of assists. If the Wolves are to make a turnaround and get in contention for
home court, Garnett must lead the way. It appears he might be ready for an
outburst. Grade: A
Power forward: Joe Smith was replaced as a starter by Gary Trent for a short time, but
has returned to the starting lineup. It might have been a wakeup call
offensively,
because Smith scored 12 points in each of the two games since returning to
the starting five. Trent and Jackson provide ample, if inconsistent, minutes.
Grade: C+
Center: Rasho Nesterovic scored 14 points vs. Toronto and 12 at Memphis, with
rebound totals of 12 and eight. That is a vast improvement over what he has done in
recent weeks, but there is little reason to expect Nesterovic to continue at
this pace. Grade: C+
INJURY REPORT
PG Terrell Brandon: left knee synovitis (Feb. 13)
Analysis: He had surgery and is done for the rest of the season, including the playoffs.
PG William Avery: knee (March 18)
Analysis: He is not hurt, he is just parked on the injured list.
Kevin Garnett has been a monster this year. He's finally scoring like a superstar should. He's finally dominating by being aggressive on both sides of the floor. He's been more calm under pressure. That's a big part of his increased point totals and shooting percentages. When he stays cool rather than becoming a bottle of emotions, he's m,ore of a factor come crunch time.
Wild and Wolves both in the play-offs. What could be better?
Both winning I suppose. It does look like a tough road for both though. We should still be optimistic anyway. Right?!?
It's still only one game for the Timberwolves. The Lakers played out of their minds. I want to think they can't keep it up.
I want to think they can't keep it up.
By the Wolves huge win tonight, I would say that you are correct. Shaq looked fat and lazy the majority of the time that I spent watching it flipping from that kick ass Wild game.
It's nice to be a Minnesota sports fan tonight!
Unfortunately, the Twins almost came back and won but lost 3-4 to KC in the end.
For the Twins, it's still early in the season. For the Timberwolves, we need to win at least one game in LA. My prefence would be to win the next two games in LA. We'll see though.
Did anyone else see last night's game? That officiating was horrible. I was thinking that the refs were out to screw the Wolves and would do what they could to ensure the Lakers won. I'm so glad the Wolve won and stuck it in LA's face, and overcame the officiating.
Yeah, it's nice to see that Jack doesn't have pull over great talent. ;-)
It was also nice to see Craig Kilborn and Jimmy Jam rooting for our boys in blue.
Shaquille O Neal is a great player, and I know he gets fouled and fouled hard a lot of times. He gets away with so much. Does he have the option of changing pivot feel to pick which he likes better? When he can't change his pivot feet, he apparently has the option of smashing his elbow into defenders to knock them down/out, as well as bowling them over with a shoulder. And Kobe, can you please quit whining about the calls you don't get, and be thankful for all that you guys get away with?
Shaq's a big clumsy oaf. The guy shoots free-throws like my Grandma. He should go into sumu wrestling instead.
I know Shaq gets hacked a lot, but a good deal with that is because he can't hit free throws. You hit your free throws and they aren't going to foul you as much.
Lakers lost tonight. They're out. Oh, I feel so bad.
-NOT-
The T-Wolves suck. McHale better straighten this mess out. He created it. Was Joe Smith worth all those first round picks? I think NOT!
Eli, Rickert, Cassell, and Ervin Johnson can all play. Joe Smith was a total bust. A waste of first round draft picks. Peeler is a grandfather. He's at the end of the road.
All I gotta say about the recent activity is... hell yeah ninja.. its about damn time.
Although man.... Joe Smith was the shit, even if he didnt do anything spectacular on the court all the time
I'd rather watch womens sychronized swimming before T'Wolves. WOmens golf is a close second. Just like baseball, if they would shorten the season up by lets say 100 games, it might catch my attention then.
Just wait, ninja... they'll catch it... come on... with all the moves, ya just gotta have hope that their gonna come around soon, right? Look at their starters... its the best all around they've had in a grip.
And this coming from me... I aint even that big of a basketball fan...
I'd rather watch womens sychronized swimming before T'Wolves. WOmens golf is a close second.
YA YA! Admit it MV! you just like to watch the sports that the women wear skimpy clothes!
Ya might as well add Pro Rasslin to that list then.. hahahaha...
VJ, what are you doing up so early?
Job hunting?
Im off all this week, thanks to the people at my work "cutting hours"... and yeah.. Im gonna be out looking for another job (or maybe 2) sometime today.
Actually im "still" up from last night... Oddly, I havent needed sleep the last couple days..
Was that a game tonight or what???
GO T-WOLVES!!!
jumping on the band wagon ;)
I just wish I could stay up long enough to watch the end of the game!
Hey Med2K!
Life is good.
Just wish I could get over this cold.
And how about that game tonight!! Finally put a decent effort out there for and entire four quarters, let's try to wrap this one up in Sacramento on Sunday, Go Wolves!!
at least you have the weekend now to try and get over it, right?
I have 9 days to get over it! I'm on vacation next week. All I've got planned is staining my shed.
I'm feeling much better, but I've got a bit of a sinus infection now.
I haven't watched any of the games, but they sound pretty exciting. They just gotta win one more, right? Then they move on in the playoffs?
And yes, they are up 3-2 over Sacramento in the best of 7 series. On win and they are on to the western conference finals. Game 6 is Sunday at 2:30
home court now...
Game 7!
its for all the marbles.
It's going to be intense
Go Wolves!
KG!!!
Timberwolves Win!!!!
Holy crap what a game!! 83-80
Bring on the Lakers
Go Wolves!!!!
Pro b-ball cowards
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/23/opinion/main637914.shtml
Â
GRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
its it that or are they just lazy and want to play playstation and party instead.....
Â
I heard the main reason they didn't go was because the US told them they can't have the big parties like they did in Sidney.
In Kevin Garnett's defense, he wanted to get married this off-season. He played over 100 games counting preseason and playoffs and needed to rest. He also played for the olympic team in Sydney in 2000.
Some of those other guys though, I can't say the same for.
I dont think its cool to jump up right quick and call em cowards either....
Maybe after all the warnings about how U.S. people should be careful overseas or just simply not go, even with all the security and armed forces, they still didnt feel safe?
Â
They're cowards.
Those little gymnast girls showed. They've got more balls than those guys.
Yeah, they showed up... but their not as widely known, as  say someon like Shaquile O'Neal, who, being an american, and a famous one to boot, would make a great target for terrorism.
what gives?
Â
Flip Flys
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/news_alert_050212.html
wtf....
they just showed Ventura on the news.....
he acted like he didn't know that flip got canned.....
Â
:-(