I became a fan of the Timberwolves on November 18, 1989. I had spent the summer of '89 playing a ton of hoops, and really became a basketball fan. I was watching my local team, the Knicks, and then the Hawks, as they were on TBS. But on November 18, I saw this guy, Tony Campbell of the Wolves, just keep coming AT the Knicks. They couldn't guard him. Johnny Newman of the Knicks was overwhelmed. I think he fouled out that day, if I remember right. Tony was too much for him. I fell in love with the guy's game, and with the team. I've been a hardcore ever since. In fact, to acquire my minor in Physical Education (Coaching) in college, I did this big paper on the history of the Timberwolves (this was in the late-90s), and the franchise sent me a bunch of media guides and other stuff to help me out. I still have them.
I say all this, because of what I witnessed last night. I have never, in my 34.5 years of fandom, seen a Timberwolves team play that level of defense. It was INSPIRING. The footwork, the commitment to rotation, it was a thing of beauty.
Make no mistake -- I thoroughly expect the defending champs to walk into Target Center on Friday and be hot from the jump, and perhaps even be rolling up large early. Pride is a real thing. But if the Wolves can weather that storm, and they will, wow. Just wow. If they can keep playing defense at this level, nothing is out of reach.
And someone needs to do some DNA testing. Edwards has to be Jordan's kid. Has to be.
As a long suffering Timberwolves fan, I have enjoyed this year immensely, and appreciating every second.
Topic: The NBA 2023-2024 thread - and Guns and Rose (Read 6081 times)
