Minnesota Sports Forum

Disappointing, but entertaining game yesterday. Phoenix started and finished the game with several guys with NBA experience, while the Wolves only had Chris Johnson. And it definitely showed at the end of the game. A lot of potential for the Wolves on the court, but looking a little starry-eyed as they get their first taste of NBA ball.

Not as tough a test today against a Miami team that doesn't look very good or experienced on paper. Here's what I want to see:

1) CJ and Dieng not getting pushed around by Vornado

2) Continued all-around solid play by Hummel as he tries to get that 15th roster spot.

3) More from Muhammad. He needs to move without the ball like he did in the first half yesterday, and not fall into the Derrick Williams habit of lingering out around the 3-point line hoping his defender moves off of him. And he needs to finish stronger at the rim, or make his free throws if he draws the foul. I also want to see him continue to show the deft passing game he has shown in the first two games...he has a much better feel for the team game than I would have suspected watching him at UCLA last year.

The game is on NBA TV today 4pm EDT

Early defense by Chris Johnson with two nice blocks. Muhammad with two early mistakes. Lost the ball trying to drive the lane using the right hand, and got caught up in the air and fouled a jump shooter. Has an assist already though.

Good start for the big men. Dieng blocked one shot and altered another in just over 2 minutes of play, and showed a nice soft touch on a 15 footer. Steamer actually had that shot too, but Dieng's form is better.

CJ has been impressive with 2 blocks and a nice assist. 23-31 Wolves after 1.

Longstrange. Nice updates, they are appreciated from a guy that can't watch the game right now.

Glad to help out, markbu, for you guys who are keeping the wheels of commerce going today!

Dieng uncomfortable when he gets the ball unless he is open for a mid range shot. Also picked up 3 quick fouls.

Terry Porter saying they look at Shabazz as a 2, who can also play some three...surprising to me.

Good news is the wolves are leading 35-34 in the second.

Bad news is they are in the game mostly due to 7-9 three point shooting from four guys who aren't going to be on the team this year: Paul, McCamey, Holland and Clark

Not much interesting to report as most of the minutes are going to guys who aren't going to be on the roster. I guess it's nice that they're giving them a chance to showcase what they can do and maybe catch on with someone.

Brown came in for the first time with a couple minutes left in the half, and immediately hits a three. I don't like how his shot looks at all though...very poor form.

Quiet 14 minutes for Hummel...only 1 shot. Cant help but like his game though. Technically sound in all facets of the game, and always around the ball.

Shabazz only played the first 6 minutes.

Hard to really care, but Wolves up 45-39 at the half. 9-12 on threes.

Terrible start to the second half for Shabazz. Had a shot blocked, tried to showboat a dunk Derrick Williams style and missed it, then missed a close-in turnaround. Just exploded vertically for an offensive rebound and a putback though.

So far, Muhammad is really struggling in his transition to the NBA.

51-48

Shabazz mercifully benched after a sloppy turnover.

Nice to see CJ hasn't lost his explosiveness with the new 15 pounds...2 nice dunks in the third quarter.

Dieng enters the game and has an immediate impact. Great shot fake leading to an assist...impressive. Then 2 quick steals (although only one in the box score) followed by a dunk.

59-49