It's Officially Over

The Timberwolves quest to return to the playoffs, although not mathematically over, is officially over. This team has quit on each other. With such a momentous embarrassment as the Rockets spanking of the Wolves, I will be writing an article for SPM Sports.

Be sure to come back to Wolves Hoops Blog tomorrow for that piece.

Wolves Need A Win In Houston Tonight

***I apologize for my absense the past few games, as I was resting during my illness. I am, in fact, feeling much better now and will be back to posting as normal here on Wolves Hoops Blog. Be sure to return after tonight's Wolves/Rockets game for thoughts/analysis.***

Coming off three straight losses, the Timberwolves roll into Houston looking for their first win since halting the Phoenix Suns 17 game winning streak. This Minnesota team has yet again frustrated their fans and, most importantly, themselves, by playing inconsistent basketball at a point where one can almost feel the season slipping away.

Although the Timberwolves themselves should not overlook any team, looking at the schedule from now until the All-Star break favors them. Tonight in Houston, Minnesota will be facing a Houston team that will be without Yao Ming, allowing the focus of the defense to be on All-Star Tracy McGrady. Returning home on Wednesday, the Wolves face off against the Golden State Warriors, another team on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

Friday, the Wolves again hit the road, traveling to Memphis to play against the Grizzlies. Although the Grizzlies themselves are quite disappointing this season, they have been playing better as of late. Sunday, the Wolves face off against the Boston Celtics, which will mark the return of Wally Szczerbiak to the Twin Cities for only the second time as an opponent.

Minnesota’s final game before the All-Star break is a matchup with division rival Denver at the Target Center. This will be the Wolves first look at the Carmelo Anthony/Allen Iverson combination and should be a very entertaining game.

With this upcoming schedule, the Wolves SHOULD be looking at a 4-1 record in these five games, yet knowing this team, they will go 1-4.

Who will show up tonight? Who will show up for the remainder of the season?

Only time will tell.

Wolves In Dallas After Pathetic Effort In Oklahoma City

My apologies for there be no thoughts/analysis of last night's game against the Hornets. I am, for the first time this year, fighting a cold. If possible, there will be thoughts/analysis of tonight's Wolves/Mavericks game. Again, my apologies and I'll speak to you soon.

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.***

Consistently Infuriating

***For those visitors who haven't done so, don't forget to post in the Visitor Role Call post***

Consistency.

This word has been uttered by every player, executive and coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves countless times this season. When Coach Dwane Casey was fired, Kevin McHale gave inconsistency as one of the biggest factors for the move stating, “You can’t win four games in a row, then lose four games in a row.”

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http://www.spmsportspage.com/published/spmfeatures/minnesota-timberwolves-co.shtml