The bottom line is this: The team, both collectively and as
individuals, is playing worse basketball than it was at the start of
the season. There is less fire, there is less execution, and there is a
palpable sense that the game is lost before it has begun. For instance,
after the game in the visiting locker room, one of the Wolves’
equipment guys told players on the Mavericks that he hadn’t bothered
watching the game, and that “it was over the minute you guys flew into
town.” When the team’s support staff is embarrassed enough to crack
jokes like that, it’s a problem.
individuals, is playing worse basketball than it was at the start of
the season. There is less fire, there is less execution, and there is a
palpable sense that the game is lost before it has begun. For instance,
after the game in the visiting locker room, one of the Wolves’
equipment guys told players on the Mavericks that he hadn’t bothered
watching the game, and that “it was over the minute you guys flew into
town.” When the team’s support staff is embarrassed enough to crack
jokes like that, it’s a problem.
Also from Kaminsky:
In yet another indication that Marko is in a bad place, this is what he
told us: "There is no answer. I don’t even know. It’s one of those days
that you try to forget. You wish you didn’t wake up."
told us: "There is no answer. I don’t even know. It’s one of those days
that you try to forget. You wish you didn’t wake up."
Wolves record: 4-29
Mike Trudell/Timberwolves site compares season stats with those from yesterday’s game.
Timberwolves Today audio recap
From Art Garcia/Mavs.com:
The Mavs (23-11) completed this end of the two-game sweep
of the worst teams in each conference with considerable ease. Unlike the two
stops they needed in the closing seconds Friday to outlast injury-riddled Miami,
Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard and Co. dominated Minnesota from the opening tip.
of the worst teams in each conference with considerable ease. Unlike the two
stops they needed in the closing seconds Friday to outlast injury-riddled Miami,
Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard and Co. dominated Minnesota from the opening tip.
“We didn’t want to play to the level of our competition,”
Howard said.
Howard said.
They are off to the worst start in franchise history (4-29) and a
turnaround is nowhere in sight. Minnesota hasn’t even had a lead in
nearly three games, dating back midway through the first quarter
against Portland on Wednesday.
turnaround is nowhere in sight. Minnesota hasn’t even had a lead in
nearly three games, dating back midway through the first quarter
against Portland on Wednesday.
After the game, Coach Wittman wrapped up his press conference rather
quickly. Stating, "When you kick a dog, even if he may be your best
friend, at some point, he’s going to turn around and bite you." Wittman
seemed to be giving not-so-subtle clues to rotation changes or
something even more dramatic. I truly hope so because it’s long overdue.
quickly. Stating, "When you kick a dog, even if he may be your best
friend, at some point, he’s going to turn around and bite you." Wittman
seemed to be giving not-so-subtle clues to rotation changes or
something even more dramatic. I truly hope so because it’s long overdue.