Friday, February 2, 2007

A "Should Win," But So Was Sacramento

***It has been decided that there will be no more Halftime Reports. However, there will be thoughts/analysis after the game, so be sure to return to Wolves Hoops Blog after the game.***


Coming off a pathetic loss at home to the Sacramento Kings, the Timberwolves hit the road for three games in four nights starting tonight against the Hornets. After stopping the Phoenix Suns winning streak on Monday, this Minnesota team took their home court for granted, giving no effort in the first half, yet nearly coming back for a win. Eventually losing 100-98 to drop below 0.500, they need to grab a win tonight before the showdown with the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday.

With a 2-3 record under Randy Wittman, it is time to find some of that consistency the team has spoken of throughout the season. Coach Wittman said it best after the Phoenix win when he stated, “That’s what I’m most proud of. A problem in the past is when teams made runs on you, we’ve kind of put our heads down and we’ve kind of given in. All four games that we’ve played since this has happened (the coaching change)…we just kept fighting. Kept fighting, scratching and clawing. If we can do that every night, wins will take care of themselves.”

Wins will take care of themselves, meaning that this Timberwolves team will beat the opponents that they should defeat and give their best effort against superior competition. By that logic, a win against the Hornets is mandatory. Tomorrow against the Mavericks, Minnesota will have their hands full. Although a win in Dallas would be amazing, as long as they can give maximum effort for 48 minutes, you cannot ask for more.

It will be interesting to see how Coach Wittman continues to work newly-returned Rashad McCants back into the mix, surely taking minutes away from Marko Jaric and Ricky Davis. How will Davis handle a drop in minutes? Will Jaric become as frustrated with his new coach as he did with his old coach?

***Don't forget your spot in the Visitor Role Call post if you haven't done so yet.***

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