The T-Wolves play has been up and down halfway through the year.
NBA Mid-Season Report
Two words to describe the first 41 games of the Timberwolves’ season – Consistently Inconsistent. As of the official mid-point of the season, the Timberwolves have managed to string together nine two-game winning streaks. On the other hand, they’ve totaled zero three-game winning streaks. But don’t think for a moment that the eternal T-Wolves optimist is about to say the glass is half empty. Sure we lost to the Raptors, but at least we beat the Kings the game before. Any way you look at it, nine two-game winning streaks is 18 wins and 9 losses. Not too shabby. And since I happen to be writing this article the day after the 42nd game of the season, I happen to know that the Wolves were able to string together three in a row with a nail-biter against Seattle last night. So the local sportswriters can continue to gripe about this team teetering on the edge of the lottery in the 8th position with a momentum gaining Laker team directly below. And they can feel free to keep pointing out that the attendance at Target Center is horrendous. Because the fact remains that last season aside, I’ve never had higher hopes for this team ever at the half-way mark. Sure 30-10 beats 23-18 anyday, but the difference is that last season we had nowhere to go but down. In 2003 the Wolves are taking their cues from George and Wheezie and “Movin’ On Up”. Let’s look at the facts – All-Star Wally Szczerbiak missed 30 games, Joe Smith missed 11, Rod Strickland and Troy Hudson decided to get injured right after each other leaving Igor Rakocevic as our backup at point guard for five games. This team has yet to play with it’s core fully healthy and yet was a meager 3.5 games out of third place in the Western Conference after 41 games. (2.5 if you want to take it from game #42) I’m certain that this team will out perform itself in the second half, and that could mean only one thing – a legitimate shot at the second round.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Atlantic Division:
1. Nets – Still think you could beat a Western Conference team in the finals?
2. Celtics – They traded for Vin Baker. This will haunt them for years
3. Sixers – In a slump, but can still right the ship
4. Magic – Hill hurt? Who woulda thunk it?
5. Knicks – What are you doing?! You’re just playing yourself out of LeBron!
6. Wizards – Will hopefully lose another game on Jan. 21 when I go to D.C. to watch them play the Wolves
7. Heat – Pat, ever think it might be that your team stinks, not the refs that’s causing you to lose games?
Central Division:
1. Pacers – Isaiah Thomas coaching the All-Star game…It’s like trading for Vin Baker….
2. Pistons – I’m still waiting for Chauncey to blow out both ACL’s.
3. Hornets – There’s been a little trouble in the Big Easy, but it should work itself out.
4. Bucks – Going from here on down is just picking the lesser of five stinkers
5. Hawks – Season ticket holders, start thinking about what you’re going to do with your refund…
6. Bulls – Baby Bulls aren’t nearly as bad as…
7. Raptors – It makes my stomach turn to think these guys beat us…
8. Cavaliers – Now this is what I’m talking about. Way to make a strong run at LeBron.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Midwest Division:
1. Mavericks – Mmm…yeah. They’ll be up here for a while.
2. Timberwolves – Ready or not, here we come…
3. Spurs – Still think Duncan’s better than KG?
4. Jazz – Stockton/Malone just won’t die…
5. Rockets – Would I be out of line to make a Challenger analogy here?
6. Grizzlies – Hubie got ’em up one spot at least.
7. Nuggets – Traded away leading scorer…James Posey?
Pacific Division:
1. Kings – You knuckleheads better not win the number one seed and mess up my plan to send you all the way.
2. Lakers – Note to teams 1-8: Here they come…
3. Trailblazers – Imagine if they could actually play a game without having half the team suspended.
4. Suns – Were sky high a few weeks ago, but look to be setting…
5. Sonics – One team always starts fast and explodes. Meet the 2002-2003 representative.
6. Warriors – Thumbs up to Mussleman for making this team somewhat respecatble.
7. Clippers – Mass chaos…
PLAYOFFS:
Eastern Conference:
1. Pacers
2. Nets
3. Pistons
4. Celtics
5. Sixers
6. Hornets
7. Magic
8. Knicks
FIRST ROUND:
Pacers over Knicks
Nets over Magic
Hornets over Pistons
Celtics over Sixers
SECOND ROUND:
Pacers over Celtics
Nets over Hornets
CONFERENCE FINALS:
Nets over Pacers
Western Conference:
1. Mavericks
2. Kings
3. Timberwolves
4. Spurs
5. Lakers
6. Trailblazers
7. Jazz
8. Suns
FIRST ROUND:
Mavericks over Suns
Kings over Jazz
Timberwolves over Trailblazers
Lakers over Spurs
SECOND ROUND:
Lakers over Mavericks – Mavs can’t win at Staples…
Kings over Timberwolves – I know we’ve taken 2 of 3 from them so far, and I think we actually could do this, but I’ll predict winning one round at a time.
CONFERENCE FINALS:
Kings over Lakers – I just don’t believe in L.A. anymore, and I was one of their longest supporters.
NBA FINALS:
Kings over Nets – Not even a close one. Look at the two games they’ve played already.
