Timberwolves

[FLVike]

just 4 wins away from breaking the Minnesota drought.

[RS_Express]

just 4 wins away from breaking the Minnesota drought.

8 wins. 4 to get to the Finals and 4 more to win it.

[StickierBuns]

[FLVike]

8 wins. 4 to get to the Finals and 4 more to win it.

Well, the drought is no teams in the finals for 34 years. But, I guess it is also winning a championship, which is 34 years.

[MAD GAINZ]

What's crazy is Ant is only 23 years old and he's led this team to back to back Western Conference Finals. Special player.

[JimmyinSD]

What's crazy is Ant is only 23 years old and he's led this team to back to back Western Conference Finals.  Special player.

crazier yet... this year was the first time in franchise history that they have made it out of the first round of the playoffs in consecutive seasons....

[purplefaithful]

They're far less beat-up this year vs y.ago...

Doesnt guarantee squat, but it doesnt hurt, thats for sure.

[Montana Tom]

They're far less beat-up this year vs y.ago...

Doesnt guarantee squat, but it doesnt hurt, thats for sure.

Very true.  Last year, it was ice wraps and treatment after each game in the playoffs.  At least they are physically able to play at a high level.

I also like the fact that there was no big celebration after eliminating the Warriors.  This isn't the prize.  I think we are seeing what prior experience from being in the playoffs does to a team.  They realize it is going to take a lot more effort to get to the highest level.

I personally thought it was a huge mistake trading KAT at the onset of the season.  Whaaaaat???   And the new guys didn't gel at first.  But after Randle came back from his injury, they've been winning at about an .806 clip.

I've eaten my words on that notion.  They're not intimidated by anyone.

[JimmyinSD]

Very true.  Last year, it was ice wraps and treatment after each game in the playoffs.  At least they are physically able to play at a high level.

I also like the fact that there was no big celebration after eliminating the Warriors.  This isn't the prize.  I think we are seeing what prior experience from being in the playoffs does to a team.  They realize it is going to take a lot more effort to get to the highest level.

I personally thought it was a huge mistake trading KAT at the onset of the season.  Whaaaaat???   And the new guys didn't gel at first.  But after Randle came back from his injury, they've been winning at about an .806 clip.

I've eaten my words on that notion.  They're not intimidated by anyone.

I am not a huge Wolves guy and barely follow the NBA as a whole as it is to basketball as the WWF is to the sport of wrestling,  but I was never enamored with KAT as a pro,  once he got into a situation where he wasnt top dog and wasnt treated like a star,  his game went soft.  He spent more time complaining about no calls while the his guy was scoring on the other end it made me sick.  I enjoy watching Randle back down bigger players and taking it at a defender instead of backing off.

[MAD GAINZ]

I am not a huge Wolves guy and barely follow the NBA as a whole as it is to basketball as the WWF is to the sport of wrestling,  but I was never enamored with KAT as a pro,  once he got into a situation where he wasnt top dog and wasnt treated like a star,  his game went soft.  He spent more time complaining about no calls while the his guy was scoring on the other end it made me sick.  I enjoy watching Randle back down bigger players and taking it at a defender instead of backing off.

Yes and no...  I think KAT wanted to win a Championship in Minnesota and showed incredible loyalty through some tough years.  I do think when Ant came in, there was an adjustment phase for him going from being the "guy" and star of the team to sharing that with Ant (and eventually giving it up to him).  

But I thought last season, KAT probably played the best defense of his career and figured out how to fit in with Ant and the rest of the team.

He'd still be here IMO if we could have make it work to stay under the second apron of the luxury tax.  But...  we've gotten similar offensive production and better defense from Randle this year.  Could end up being a win-win for the Timberwolves and Knicks.

Randle said the time he missed mid season with the groin injury really helped him understand his role in the offense by watching how his teammates worked offensively.  No coincidence that when he came back, he found his groove and the Timberwolves went like 17-4 the rest of the way and are 10-2 in the playoffs.

Like Draymond Green said, we have a TEAM.   Lots of guys who can contribute on offense and play some tough team defense.  Future is bright of they can keep this core together and get more from Dillingham and Shannon next year.