2010-11 NBA Season: Various Minnesota Timberwolves Photos Part 1 of 2

2010-11 NBA Season: Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Point Guard: Luke Ridnour

UPDATE: According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports the Timberwolves have reportedly offered a trade package—that includes Flynn to the Philadelphia 76ers for Andre Iguodala.  The Sixers have stated that they want an impact player for Andre, not a salary-dump, as such, Flynn will not be enough for the TWolves to snag Andre Iguodala.

The 6th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft Jonny Flynn is reportedly on the trade block and the Knicks may be looking to acquire the 2nd-year vet.

Flynn’s numbers took a major hit last season after missing a good portion of the season to recover from offseason hip surgery.

With Ricky Rubio now coming to Minnesota and clearly the point guard of the future for the Wolves and Luke Ridnour as the probable backup next season, Flynn is now expendable.

The New York Knicks have had preliminary discussions with Minnesota, but no formal deal is in place as the Knicks debate whether or not Flynn would be a viable backup to Chauncey Billups for at least one season.

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News states that New York guard Toney Douglas would likely be the player traded for Flynn.  However, Isola points out that Douglas is coming off major shoulder surgery, which may make him hard to deal.

This obviously isn’t the first rumor we’ve heard regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves’ point guard Jonny Flynn, he’s been linked to the Phoenix Suns & Toronto Raptors among others in the past.

Stay tuned for the news, information and updates on your Minnesota Timberwolves all year round.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

Minnesota Timberwolves Highlights from the 2010-11 Season

UPDATE (Sunday June 5, 2011 @1:55pmCT) A report from Sports Illustrated has the two teams most interested in Flynn as the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors.

UPDATE (Friday June 3, 2011 @2:05amCT).  According to a report, there are a few other teams, also interested in Flynn.  Toronto does seem like the likeliest destination as they’re looking for a young talent to run the squad and Flynn is actually from Niagara, which is quite close to Toronto.  Other possibilities include the New York Knicks (if Chauncey Billups is traded (there have been reports he’s on the block) the Knicks could target Flynn).  Phoenix is also another possible destination as noted below, but there’s also been a report (that most call highly unlikely) of a trade for Phoenix’s All-Star and former MVP point guard: Steve Nash, who would come over to be the Wolves starting point guard and more importantly-a mentor to the young Ricky Rubio.

Big news was leaked yesterday as it seems on Tuesday (5/31) the Minnesota Timberwolves and their #5 2009 NBA Draft pick: Ricky Rubio had indeed signed to join the team for the ‘11-‘12 campaign.

With this news, the rumor mill has begun to churn as it now appears the #6 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft: Jonny Flynn will be traded.  This isn’t the first time we’ve heard Flynn’s name come up in the trade rumors.  The TWolves tried more than once to swing a deal with the Rockets for Aaron Brooks (who eventually was traded to Phoenix for a pick and Goran Dragic).  

It is likely that Ricky Rubio will be the starting point guard for the Wolves next year, moving veteran Luke Ridnour to a reserve role which leaves Flynn the odd man out.

Possible destinations have been listed, as of now: the Toronto Raptors (they’re looking for an upgrade over Jose Calderon/Jerryd Bayless), Detroit Pistons (they don’t have a true point guard, Flynn would be a good fit), Sacramento Kings (they’re looking for a young star to complement Evans in the backcourt, he could certainly be a big piece for Sac-Town next to Cousins & Evans), Portland Trailblazers (they’ll be looking for a starting point guard if Andre Miller doesn’t return and possibly a backup for Miller when he eventually does retire), Phoenix Suns (Steve Nash is getting in up there in years and he won’t be around forever, Aaron Brooks is down there, but many believe he won’t be the future point of Phoenix).

This isn’t the last we’ll hear of this until he’s playing for another squad.  It could be likely that the Wolves could decide to move Flynn during the draft for another pick (or what have you).  That’s all for now, thanks for reading, stay tuned all offseason long for your up-to-date TWolves news and information.  GO WOLVES!

The following is the list of the point guard free agents.  Some of them have early termination options (player & team options), others are restricted free agents (any team that makes them an offer, can be matched by their current team) and lastly unrestricted free agents.

This is a look at all the possible point guard free agents and isn’t necessarily a list of a players that the Timberwolves absolutely need to target, but rather a list of the free agents and what they could bring to the table for Minnesota.

-Andre Miller (PO): Miller hasn’t been quite happy in Portland, Roy and Miller haven’t always seen eye-to-eye and some question whether or not they can co-exist on the same team.  Miller is a veteran point guard, which, veteran-presence is certainly something the Wolves lacked this past season.  His playmaking skills and basketball IQ would be a valuable asset.  However, with Ridnour and Rubio (possibly) as well as potentially Kyrie Irving (w/the #1 pick?) and Jonny Flynn on the roster (for now) there may not even been room for a player like Miller on the roster.  Miller has a player option, chances are good, with the CBA lingering, Miller will most likely return to the Blazers, at least for one more season.  UPDATE: In a recent report Miller has said that he’ll rely on his agent to handle his contract status, the Blazers have until June 30th to exercise his option.

-Goran Dragic (TO): Dragic is a solid young role player.  He was traded for Aaron Brooks to the Rockets.  Chances are, the Rockets will re-up the young international player.  However, if the Wolves are, as usual, looking at point guards, Goran Dragic could be on their radar, in the Wolves’ last game of the season (vs. the Rockets) Dragic obtained his career-first triple-double.  Like I said, the Rockets will pick up his option to keep him as a role player behind starter Kyle Lowry.

-Eddie House (PO): Like Dragic, House has a player option and will most likely be interested in returning to the Heat for another season.  House is a good combo-guard.  Mainly, just a shooter and role player and a veteran-presence.  He could be valuable for his veteran leadership (been on Celtics championship team and with the contending Miami Heat) and his ability to hit big shots.  Like Miller though, I’d expect him to re-up with the Heat, because of both the CBA and because of the chance to being able to play with a championship-contender: Miami Heat.

-Rodney Stuckey (R): Rodney Stuckey is a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason.  The Pistons will be able to match any offer that he gets from any other team.  You’ve got to believe chances are good, he doesn’t want to return to the Pistons next season, with all the controversies in the Motor City this season.  I’m certain Stuckey will definitely get more than one offer.  If the TWolves indeed decide to offer him a contract, he would most likely be moved to a more suitable position: shooting guard, a position they definitely need filled.

-Aaron Brooks (R): Aaron Brooks was a target last season for the Wolves before the Trade Deadline when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Goran Dragic.  I’d expect the Suns to match any offer for Brooks (any reasonable offer) as it seems he’s their point guard of the future as Steve Nash continues to draw nearer to retirement.  

-T.J. Ford: Ford hasn’t played in a long while.  He was benched and inactive for the Pacers for the majority of the season.  The Pacers were able to acquire a new starting point guard: Darren Collison.  Therefore they no longer needed Ford.  He has no restrictions and I could see him jumping on with a contender next season as a role player.  He could be a valuable combo guard off the bench.  I wouldn’t expect the Wolves to make any offer to him however.

-Sebastian Telfair: Telfair is the only Timberwolves free agent this offseason.  He was a third-string point guard for the Wolves this season.  He last played against the Indiana Pacers in the game when Kevin Love broke the double-double streak (I was actually at this game!!!).  Telfair did get a lot of playing time early in the season when Jonny Flynn was still recovering from his offseason hip surgery.  He even got a few starts when starter Luke Ridnour had a hamstring injury.  There is absolutely no doubt that the Timberwolves won’t be bringing back Bassy!

-Marcus Banks: Throughout Banks’ NBA career, Marcus has simply been a trade chip.  From Boston to Minnesota to Phoenix to Miami back to Phoenix, then back to Miami to Toronto and finally to New Orleans.  Without a doubt-an NBA journeyman.  Used mainly as a VERY deep reserve, I wouldn’t be surprised if no one comes  looking to make him an offer this season.

-Mike Bibby: Bibby was traded just before the NBA Trade Deadline this season from Atlanta to Washington.  In a deal that also featured rookie Jordan Crawford and forward Maurice Evans to Washington and Washington’s Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong to Atlanta.  Bibby was later waived by Washington after just a game and was picked up by the Miami Heat.  He’s still a valuable combo guard, but if he plays well enough in the playoffs, I’d expect the Heat to offer him another contract.

-Carlos Arroyo: Arroyo was signed by the Miami Heat this summer, but when the Heat decided to sign Mike Bibby around the Trade Deadline, he was waived by the Heat.  Arroyo was able to sign on with another Eastern Conference contender: the Boston Celtics as a reserve behind Rajon Rondo and Delonte West.  I’d expect him to be able to sign on with another team, however, like most of these free agent point guards, I wouldn’t expect the Wolves to even contemplate making him an offer.

The Minnesota Timberwolves season is over.  It mercilessly came to an end a week ago in a 121-102 loss to the Houston Rockets.  With that, today we’re taking a look at our roster and handing out a few awards of our own, specifically for the Timberwolves!

First off, the Most Valuable Player for the Wolves this season.  This one’s a no brainer, the Wolves’ MVP=Kevin Love.  A first-time all-star, set a new record for consecutive double-doubles since the ABA/NBA merger (53), lead the league in total rebounds and rebounds per game and is the likely candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year!  Love expanded his game this year with the three-point shot and with Big Al out of the picture, Love got a bump in minutes and his production skyrocketed.  He lead the Wolves and the League in rebounds and rebounds per game as well as leading the Wolves in points per game.  Kevin Love is your Timberwolves MVP!

Most Improved Player: This is also a no-brainer.  The likely candidate to win the League MIP is Kevin Love, the winner of the Wolves MIP is…KEVIN LOVE!  With a bump in minutes came a big bump in his stats as well as his popularity in Minnesota and in the League!

Most Disappointing Player: Any Timberwolves fan could name this one right off the bat, it was and is without a doubt the second-year guard Jonny Flynn.  Offseason hip surgery saw him miss the first part of the season.  Upon his return, we (Wolves fans) had high expectations for Flynn to take over his starting spot from Ridnour and thrive and improve upon his rookie year.  Those high expectations were not met, not even close, disappointing; it was beyond disappointing.  Needless to say with Rubio on his way, Ridnour on the books for another 3 years and a strong chance of Irving being our first pick, I think it’s more than safe to say Flynn has played his last game for the TWolves game.

“Best” Reserve: There are certainly a few more candidates for this one.  The Wolves got great performances from Anthony Randolph, Anthony Tolliver & Martell Webster.  They were certainly the three best reserves on this team, but lets try and weed some of these guys out.  First off, Randolph didn’t join the Wolves till just before the Trade Deadline, so he played less than half a season for the Wolves, although that time was solid I think we can eliminate him.  Both Martell Webster and Anthony Tolliver were down with separate injuries during the season, but both were key contributors for the Wolves.  Martell Webster was in and out with his performance.  Anthony Tolliver wasn’t a big offensive player or really a great defensive player, but every time he got out there he hustle and worked extremely hard.  My “best”/key reserve goes to first-year Timberwolf Anthony Tolliver.

“Mr. Hustle”: No more than 2 sentences ago I gave you my pick for “Mr. Hustle”.  Anthony Tolliver got out there every night and according to almost every Wolves reporter he was the hardest working man on the roster.  In early, out late, a desire to succeed and the determination to put in the time.  Anthony Tolliver is your Timberwolves “Mr. Hustle”!

Those are your award-winners, that’s all for now.  Stay tuned all summer for some updates on your favorite sports team.  We’ll also be bringing you some player biographies, coaching updates, free agent outlooks, CBA updates, draft outlook(s), the Wolves’ biggest needs & we’ll take a look and keep you up to date on what all your favorite Wolves players and what they’re working on this summer.  Stay tuned, until then, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!!

UPDATE: Along with Kevin & Darko (injuries), reserve point guard Jonny Flynn will not play tonight, because of a “personal matter”, third-string poing guard Sebastian Telfair is inactive so that leaves Ridnour as tonight’s lone point guard.  (UPDATE: Wednesday April 13, 2011 6:18p.m.)

The Minnesota Timberwolves finale will take place Wednesday night at the Target Center vs. the Houston Rockets.  The Wolves are looking for their 18th win of the season and hoping to snap a 14-game losing streak, to end another lottery season on a high(er) note.

The Timberwolves will again, most likely be without their starting frontcourt: Darko Milicic and Kevin Love.  There’s a possibility that one or both could return, but it’s deemed highly unlikely.  In their place Anthony Tolliver and Nikola Pekovic will most likely make up the 4 and the 5.

The starting lineups will most likely be: WOLVES- PG: Luke Ridnour SG: Wesley Johnson SF: Michael Beasley PF: Anthony Tolliver C: Nikola Pekovic.  And for the ROCKETS- PG: Kyle Lowry SG: Kevin Martin SF: Chase Budinger PF: Patrick Patterson C: Chuck Hayes.

The T’Wolves are coming off a narrow loss in overtime to the Phoenix Suns 127-135.  It was another tough loss in a season with 64 of them!  The Rockets are coming off an overtime loss themselves in a 98-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The key players for the Wolves: Michael Beasley: he needs to continue to produce for the Wolves on the offensive end, but needs to get his teammates involved and pass the ball when they’re open and pass up tough shots.  Luke Ridnour: he’s coming off a near triple-double against Steve Nash and the Suns (21-9-9), if he can match that or come close, hitting shots and setting up teammates there’s a good chance of a Wolves W.  Reserves Anthony Tolliver, Anthony Randolph & Martell Webster: These three players have stepped up on the offensive end recently with the Wolves top scorer out.

The key players for the Rockets: Kyle Lowry: he’s improved a lot this season, he is currently nursing a small injury, but he’s a great defender, playmaker and can knock down open shots.  Kevin Martin: the Rockets leading scorer, he’s a great offensive player known for his three-point shot.  Chase Budinger: the young forward is a solid offensive player, but beyond that isn’t a great defender.  Reserves Terrence Williams & Courtney Lee: Former Nets players, both athletic and talented offensive players.

Tipoff is set for 7pmCT tonight (Wednesday), a full gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  As per usual thanks for reading, enjoy the game and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: Darko Milicic and Kevin Love didn’t participate in this afternoon’s shootaround in Phoenix and won’t be playing tonight.  During shootaround they were “rehabbing” as well as doing crunches and push-ups on the sidelines.  (UPDATE: Monday April 11, 2011 4:53p.m.)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are winding down a season of turmoil and after tomorrow night’s stop in Phoenix the Wolves play again on Wednesday: their last game of the season vs. the Rockets.  

The Wolves and Suns last met just a few days ago: April 6th that ended in a 108-98 Wolves loss.  The Timberwolves couldn’t slow down the Suns in the paint, but it was a fairly close game to the end, but the Suns went on a run that helped the Suns escape with the victory.

The Timberwolves are on a 13-game losing streak, that seems unlikely to end this season.  The Suns aren’t moving on to the playoffs this season, but they’ll look to improve on their season nonetheless.

The Wolves will again be without their starting frontcourt: All-Star forward Kevin Love with an ongoing groin injury and center Darko Milicic whose nursing an ankle sprain he suffered in a game vs. the Heat and again vs. the Suns (April 6th).

The starting lineups will feature: WOLVES- PG: Luke Ridnour SG: Wesley Johnson SF: Michael Beasley PF: Anthony Tolliver C: Nikola Pekovic SUNS- PG: Steve Nash SG: Jared Dudley SF: Grant Hill PF: Channing Frye C: Marcin Gortat

The key players for the Timberwolves will be: Michael Beasley-with Kevin Love out Beasley will most likely try to carry the scoring load and he’s got the talents to do so, but the offense will; like most nights; suffer at his hands.  Reserves Martell Webster and Anthony Randolph-both of these guys can come off the bench and dump in 15-20 points in limited time off the pine.

The key players for the Suns will be: Steve Nash-Steve is a great veteran point guard that orchestrates the offense perfectly every night out.  Grant Hill-the last time they played Grant Hill continually burned Michael Beasley on the offensive end.  Channing Frye-Anthony Tolliver will be getting the start to try and slow down the talented Frye, who’s more mobile than most 4-guys.  Marcin Gortat-“the Polish Hammer” killed the Wolves in the paint the last time they met and they get him the ball early and often and I’d expect more of the same, from the big bruiser.

Tipoff is set for 9pmCT from the US Airways Center in Phoenix AZ and a full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  Until then, thanks for reading, enjoy the game and GO WOLVES!

Ty Lawson of the Denver Nuggets scorched the Minnesota Timberwolves from deep as he made 10-of-11 3’s to finish with 37 points in a 106-130 blowout.

The Timberwolves were once again without their starting frontcourt: All-Star Kevin Love (strained left groin injury) and Darko Milicic (ankle).  Thus, the Timberwolves had the following starting lineup- PG: Luke Ridnour SG: Wesley Johnson SF: Michael Beasley PF: Anthony Tolliver C: Nikola Pekovic.  The Nuggets started- PG: Ty Lawson SG: Gary Forbes SF: Danilo Gallinari PF: Kenyon Martin C: Nene.  The Nuggets were without Wilson Chandler (ankle), Arron Afflalo (hamstring), Timofey Mozgov (ankle & knee), Chris Andersen (ankle), Danilo Gallinari was injured in the game with an ankle sprain.

Lawson made his first 10 three-point shots before missing a 28-foot heave from deep and finished with a new career high: 37 points.  Lawson, in fact, didn’t score until sinking a pair of free throws with 6 minutes into the second quarter.  Had he not taken that last three at the buzzer that missed, he would’ve set a new NBA record for most consecutive threes made, Latrell Sprewell went 9-for-9 for the Knicks versus the Clippers in 2003.  Lawson, however, did happen to outscore the Wolves all by himself 24-19 in the third quarter!

At one point, it was a close game, the T’Wolves were in a close game 41-39.  Then Lawson and the rest of the Nuggets got hot and it turned into utter embarrassment for the Wolves.  At one point the Nuggets led by 35 points!

Denver’s 19 3-pointers in 38 attempts was a new franchise record.

The top performers for Minnesota included: reserves Lazar Hayward and Martell Webster both had 15 points apiece.  Webster also added 5 rebounds.  Michael Beasley had 14 points in 29 minutes on 5-of-12 shooting.  Anthony Randolph added 13 off the bench as well as 6 boards.  Wesley Johnson had 13 points, 6 boards and 3 assists.  Jonny Flynn had 10 points and 9 assists off the bench.  Wayne Ellington also had 10 off the bench.

The top performers for Denver included: Ty Lawson-37 points (new career-high), 7 rebounds (new career-high) and 6 assists.  J.R. Smith had 18 points in 32 minutes off the bench as well as 8 rebounds.  Raymond Felton came off the bench with 11 points and 14 assists.  Kenyon Martin had 12 points and 8 rebounds.  Reserve Al Harrington had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.  Former Wolf Kosta Koufos added 11 points and 6 boards off the bench.  Starters Nene and Gary Forbes both had 10 points 5 rebounds and 4 assists apiece.  

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be back in action Monday night against the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix.  Tipoff is set for 9pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found on this site before then.  Until then, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves stretched their streak to 12-straight losses tonight versus the Phoenix Suns tonight.  The Suns were led by big man Marcin Gortat, who scored 20 points and Brooks added 19 for the Suns as they downed the struggling Wolves 108-98.

The Wolves were again without Kevin Love who has now missed 5 of the Wolves’ last 8 games.  Darko Milicic was able to return and started for the Wolves after suffering an ankle sprain against the Heat, he was only able to play 10 minutes however.  Wayne Ellington, Lazar Hayward and Sebastian Telfair all didn’t play for the Wolves as a coach’s decision.

With tonight’s loss and Cleveland’s W over the Raptors, the Timberwolves have now dropped to the bottom of the League, tied for the worst record in the entire NBA!  This secures the Timberwolves a top 2 pick in June’s draft!

The Timberwolves got within two points 89-87 with less than 10 minutes to play, but an 8-2 run by the Suns, put the T’Wolves away.  The Suns led by 15 points early in the game, but it wasn’t until the final minutes that they were able to put away Minnesota.

Both teams shook up their starting rotations for tonight’s game.  The Timberwolves starting lineup featured- PG: Luke Ridnour SG: Wesley Johnson SF: Michael Beasley PF: Anthony Tolliver C: Darko Milicic.  The Suns starting lineup featured- PG: Steve Nash SG: Grant Hill SF: Jared Dudley PF: Channing Frye C: Marcin Gortat.

The Timberwolves were led by Michael Beasley who dumped in 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, added 3 assists and 5 steals.  Anthony Randolph came off the bench and in 28 minutes had 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.  Anthony Tolliver started at power forward and in 39 minutes had 10 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists.  Wesley Johnson broke out of his cold-spell and went 4-of-13 with 10 points.  Martell Webster continued his solid play off the pine, with 13 points in 27 minutes.

The Phoenix Suns were led by Marcin Gortat with 20 points and 16 rebounds.  Aaron Brooks added 19 points and 6 assists in 26 minutes off the bench.  Grant Hill scored 17.  Hakim Warrick came off the bench and in 29 minutes scored 17 as well.  Vince Carter also came off the bench and had 12 points in 23 minutes.

The Timberwolves are back in action Saturday night in Denver vs. the playoff-bound Nuggets.  Tipoff is set for8:30pmCT from the Pepsi Center and a full-gameday preview can be found on this site before the tip.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: Wolves Radio reports via Twitter that Kurt Rambis has decided to start Anthony Tolliver at power forward for tonight’s game.  Citing the fact that they’ll need some mobility to guard Channing Frye (UPDATE: Wed., April 6th, 2011 6:13p.m.)

UPDATE: Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune has said via Twitter that Darko is back.  Darko Milicic will be back tonight versus the Suns at the Target Center and he’s expected to start.  (UPDATE: Wed., April 6th 2011 5:56p.m.)

Tonight the Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game against the Phoenix Suns riding an 11-game losing streak (the longest losing-streak of the season for the Wolves).  There most recent loss coming last night on a 107-105 loss to the New Jersey Nets, so has been the case all season long for the young Wolves, their record sitting at a disappointing 17-61.

They’ll be facing Steve Nash and Co. at the Target Center as they look to snap the streak.  The Phoenix Suns are out of the playoffs, but they’ll be doing anything but rolling over and dying, especially against the Wolves.  

Neither of these teams are known for their defensive prowess, so the Wolves are going to need to match the Suns high-powered, high-octane offense.  

As reported in a previous post, both Darko Milicic and Kevin Love are currently nursing injuries.  Love is listed as doubtful for the game with a groin injury, whereas Darko Milicic is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain.  If they can’t go, I’d expect the Wolves to put out a similar lineup as they have the past two games vs. Memphis and New Jersey: G: Ridnour, Ellington F: Johnson, Beasley C: Pekovic.  The Suns will counter, most likely, with: G: Nash, Hill F: Dudley, Frye C: Gortat.

The Timberwolves will need a big game out of Michael Beasley if they want to compete.  Beasley had an ultra-impressive game against the New Jersey Nets last night, starting at the power forward, scoring 20 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out 7 assists, almost obtaining that triple-double.  Wesley Johnson also needs to step up and produce for the Wolves as he continues to struggle on the offensive end.  If the Wolves’ bench can continue to produce, they’ll be in good shape to compete, last night against the Nets, Randolph, Webster and Tolliver combined for 50 points off the pine!

The Suns will be lead by their incredibly talented point guard Steve Nash.  They’ll need to slow him down and close down passing lanes to try and stop him, but at times it will seem futile.  Gortat is also a big boost down in the low post.  Against either Milicic or Pekovic, the Wolves’ centers will have their work cut out for them against the “Polish Hammer”!

Tipoff is set for 7pmCT from the Target Center in Minneapolis MN.  A full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

A tie-breaking jumper with 1.7 seconds to go by Deron Williams finished off the Wolves late as they dropped their 61st of the season and are still on a, now, 11-game losing streak.  Beasley missed a three at the buzzer after Williams’ shot and the Wolves lost 105-107 at the Prudential Center.

The Wolves were down by 13 with 8:30 to play, but a 10-2 run got them right back into the game and tied it up on a goaltending call by Outlaw on a Beasley shot.  

Both teams were without their starting power forwards.  New Jersey’s Kris Humphries was sidelined with an ankle injury.  Kevin Love was out once again with a lingering groin injury.  Darko Milicic was also out for the Wolves with an injury.  

Without Love and Darko in the frontcourt, the Wolves went small, with G: Ridnour, Ellington F: Johnson, Beasley C: Pekovic and the Nets countered with G: Williams, West F: Vujacic, Outlaw C: Lopez.

The Timberwolves were led by Michael Beasley, who had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.  Ridnour added 11 points and 9 assists.  The Wolves got a big lift from their bench as Randolph dumped in 20 points, 10 boards and 2 blocks.  Martell Webster added 16 points and 5 rebounds and Tolliver had 14 points and 5 boards.

The Nets were led by their big man Brook Lopez who went off for 30 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks.  Deron Williams added 18 points and dished out a career-tying high 21 assists.  Sasha Vujacic added 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

The Timberwolves will be back in action tonight at the Target Center vs. the Phoenix Suns.  Tipoff is set for 7pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found on this site soon.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

Tomorrow night the Minnesota Timberwolves will be at the Prudential Center to face the New Jersey Nets.  This will be their second and last meeting of the season.  The first/other was a 103-88 Timberwolves victory at the Target Center (before of course Deron Williams became a Net).

After tomorrow night’s game the Timberwolves have just 4 more games as their season winds down and they head for a high lottery pick.  The Nets, will finish out their season, without a playoff berth and they won’t have a high lottery pick, since they traded it to Utah along with Devin Harris and Derrick Favors for Deron Williams at the Trade Deadline.

The T’Wolves will again be without All-Star forward Kevin Love and starting center Darko Milicic for tomorrow’s game, as both didn’t travel because of groin (Love) and knee (Darko) injuries. Against the Memphis Grizzlies the Wolves went with a smaller more athletic lineup featuring G: Ridnour, Ellington F: Johnson, Beasley C: Pekovic, that was a “rough” game and I wouldn’t be surprised if Coach Rambis changed the starting lineup again for the game.  Either way; Tolliver, Randolph, Pekovic & Beasley will pick up the minutes in Love/Darko’s absence.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will need a big performance/output from forward Michael Beasley if they’re going to have a chance of winning against this Nets team.  Furthermore, if Johnson can jump out of his offensive slump and put some points on the board, the Wolves would have a good chance of competing with these Nets.

The Nets will be led by All-Star point guard Deron Williams, who is currently nursing an injured wrist, but will most likely give it a go tomorrow night.  Brook Lopez will also be a big contributor against a weak(ened) Wolves frontcourt and should have a good game.

The Nets will be without Kris Humphries who is currently listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury.  Quinton Ross (a former reserve guard for the Nets) was waived last week after it was reported that his injured back would keep him out for the season.  He wasn’t going to be resigned at the end of the year as his contract expired this season, so the Nets waived him.

Tipoff is set for 6pmCT tomorrow night at the Prudential Center.  A full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  As per usual, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!