Wolves @ Suns

[Andrew]

Timberwolves-Suns Preview

Long-range shooting has been key during its recent surge, but Minnesota needs to get to the basket in order to enjoy sustained success.
The Timberwolves go for their sixth win in seven games on Friday night, but face a Suns squad that has dominated them in Phoenix the past three seasons.
Minnesota (11-26), which has dropped five straight in Phoenix by an average of 20.8 points, opens its three-game road trip following a 99-96 loss to Miami on Tuesday that snapped its five-game winning streak. It was the Timberwolves' longest stretch without a loss since winning five in a row from Dec. 2-10, 2005.
Three nights after scoring 10 of his 11 points in the fourth quarter of a 106-104 victory over Milwaukee, Randy Foye had 14 of his team-high 29 points in the final 12 minutes versus Miami. The third-year guard, who scored 17 points in a 110-102 loss to the visiting Suns on Nov. 26, added eight assists and five rebounds on Tuesday.
Foye hit 5-of-10 from beyond the arc against the Heat as the Timberwolves shot 11-of-27 from 3-point range. With 12 3-pointers in its 129-87 win over Oklahoma City last Wednesday and 13 3s against the Bucks on Saturday, Minnesota has made 10 or more 3-pointers in a franchise-best three consecutive games.
"You can't ask anything more out of (Foye) than that,'' Minnesota coach Kevin McHale said.
Also making a key contribution lately is forward Al Jefferson, who is averaging 21.5 points and 11.3 boards during the Timberwolves' current 7-3 stretch.
McHale, though, could ask for his team to drive to the basket more often.
After averaging 29.4 free throw attempts during their five-game winning streak from Jan. 2-10, the Timberwolves matched a season low with nine free throws in 13 attempts on Tuesday while Miami went 30-of-38.
On Friday, Minnesota will likely need a better effort from the foul line than in its last game in Phoenix - a 117-88 loss on April 4. The Timberwolves made 7-of-13 free throws while the Suns hit 22-of-30 from the line.
Shaquille O'Neal, a career 52.6 percent free throw shooter, hit 4-of-9 from the foul line in that victory while collecting 18 points and 10 rebounds. He is shooting 67.2 percent from the foul line in 15 games since then.
With O'Neal resting on Thursday as Phoenix opened a stretch of eight games in 12 days, the Suns had their three-game winning streak snapped, falling to Denver 119-113 in overtime.
Phoenix (22-14) is 2-5 this season without O'Neal, who is averaging 22.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in his last seven games.
Grant Hill led the Suns on Thursday with a season-high 25 points, but lost the ball on a drive to the basket in the final 10 seconds of regulation.
"Dahntay (Jones) stuck his leg out and tripped me and I lost my balance,'' Hill said. "I ran into Nene at the same time. It was pretty obvious there was something there, but I guess the officials were scared to make that call."
Steve Nash posted a double-double with 20 points and 14 assists against the Nuggets. Since missing the Suns' 101-89 win over Memphis on Dec. 30 with back spasms, the two-time MVP is averaging 15.2 points and 11. 2 assists. Nash has put up 19.2 points and 11.4 assists in Phoenix's last five home games against Minnesota. The Timberwolves' last win in Phoenix was 103-101 on Feb. 6, 2006.

http://www.nba.com/games/20090116/MINPHX/preview.html

 

[carey]

I don't understand how you have twice as many posts as me and have been here less than a year and I've been here 6 years.

 

[Andrew]

I like to talk.

 

[Brianellsworth]

I don't understand how you have twice as many posts as me and have been here less than a year and I've been here 6 years.

He also likes to post blank replies at time and one word answers. I had around the same as him a few months ago but in the last few months he has posted 1500 times and i have only posted 200 or so.

 

[Griffin]

Well, Nash played 46 minutes last night, Grant Hill played 43. But at least Shaq is well rested, right? If Nash has an off-night, let's keep in mind the minutes he played last night.

 

[Andrew]

He also likes to post blank replies at time and one word answers. I had around the same as him a few months ago but in the last few months he has posted 1500 times and i have only posted 200 or so.

More than half is ban-worthy, so I edit my own posts.

 

[Andrew]

Also, because I post quite frequently when games are going on in the game threads, during commercials of course.

Also, I have been on winter break since the 2nd week of December, I go back next Tuesday. So I have a lot of free time on my hands to talk all things Suns.

 

[fatosber]

I like to talk.

I know, trust me. I think I have been here for 5 years now and I visit the site everyday... I see you in my dreams Andrew.. and WTH is up with the beard?

Joke

 

[Brianellsworth]

Also, because I post quite frequently when games are going on in the game threads, during commercials of course.

Also, I have been on winter break since the 2nd week of December, I go back next Tuesday. So I have a lot of free time on my hands to talk all things Suns.

You mean all things Shaq right?

 

[Andrew]

You are the one trying to befriend me lol.

 

[Andrew]

I hope Shaq dominates tonight.

 

[Proteus]

I think this'll be an ugly game that we kinda hang around in. We may be able to squeak out a win at the end.

 

[dodie53]

go suns!

i feel a
30-11-6 game for shaq tonight

 

[cly2tw]

anyone has a link for the game that works?

 

[Andrew]

10-4 Wolves

 

[Andrew]

I got an audio feed

 

[Andrew]

13-4 Wolves

 

[Andrew]

This is just sad

 

[Andrew]

I just can't get excited when all I can do is hear the game lol...

 

[Bert]

Let's go Suns!

 

[Andrew]

27-23 Wolves after first quarter

 

[Proteus]

Suns down 23-27 after the 1st quarter. Suns shooting 50% with 0/3 3 pointers, Timberwolves 48% with 1/3 3 pointers.

Suns have committed 3 turnovers, Wolves 2.

Suns have 1 offensive rebound, Wolves 4.

Suns have hit 1/2 free throws, Wolves have hit 2/2 free throws.

 

[Andrew]

http://albaaa.altervista.org/watch.php?id=203

 

[damo]

not a very good picture, but better than nothing.

http://www.knicktv.com/

 

[Ronin]

Nice cutting by Tucker