GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby KobeMVP888 » Tue Oct 27, 2015 7:39 pm

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015
7:30 p.m. PDT - Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Referees: Bill Spooner, JT Orr, Gary Zielinski


Line: Lakers -3.5


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RIP FLIP SAUNDERS

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GAME PREVIEW: TIMBERWOLVES AT LAKERS

By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO, nba.com

The Minnesota Timberwolves finished last season with the NBA's worst record. They start this one with heavy hearts.

Three days after Flip Saunders' death, his latest rebuilding project continues as the Timberwolves open the 2015-16 season against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Wednesday night.

Minnesota went 16-66 last season in Saunders' first back on the bench. He's perhaps the most influential figure in franchise history, leading the club to eight playoff appearances in a row while nurturing Kevin Garnett into a superstar straight out of high school.

The duo guided the Timberwolves to the 2004 Western Conference finals, and the team hasn't been back to the playoffs since.

Saunders was tasked with changing that. However, he developed Hodgkin lymphoma in June and left the team in September following complications. While doctors called it "treatable and curable," the 60-year-old Saunders died Sunday.

"Flip was a symbol of strength, compassion, and dignity for our organization," owner Glen Taylor said in a statement. "He was a shining example of what a true leader should be, defined by his integrity and kindness to all he encountered."

Sam Mitchell has been named interim coach. He went 156-189 with Toronto from 2004-08, reaching the playoffs twice.

Mitchell and general manager Milt Newton will try to carry out Saunders' plan, which includes using veterans to mentor Minnesota's promising young prospects.

One of those veterans is Garnett. The 39-year-old forward returned to the Timberwolves in a trade with Brooklyn in February and signed a two-year deal to be part of the project.
Joining Garnett as elder statesmen are Andre Miller (39) and Tayshaun Prince (35), who have a combined 29 seasons of experience.

The trio is expected to be a major influence on Minnesota's youngsters, including 20-year-old Andrew Wiggins, the reigning rookie of the year, 19-year-old Karl-Anthony Towns, the No. 1 overall pick, and 20-year-old Zach LaVine, the slam dunk champion.

Saunders hatched the idea after watching Mitchell mentor Garnett during their first stint in Minnesota.

"A lot of teaching," 19-year-old point guard Tyus Jones said. "They've been here and done that. They're winners in this league. To have them on the same team as us every day is a new opportunity to learn something."

The Lakers, who finished 21-61 a year ago, are in a similar situation with Kobe Bryant leading a team with nine players having three seasons or fewer of NBA experience.

Bryant is trying to bounce back from a pair of injury-plagued seasons that limited him to 41 total games with Los Angeles missing the playoffs both times. The 17-time All-Star, however, is already hurt after suffering a lower-leg contusion in a preseason game.

"The injury's been slowly getting better," Bryant told the team's official website. "The past couple of days I've been able to move a lot more (and) do some of the things I feel comfortable doing."

Coach Byron Scott is expected to ease the load on Bryant by using rookie D'Angelo Russell and second-year guard Jordan Clarkson at the point.

"It's good to be around them and get that youthful energy," the 37-year-old Bryant said. "I'm excited for them. This is the beginning of their careers and their journey."
It could also be the end of Bryant's storied career with his future beyond this season in doubt and his claim that he won't play for another team.

That's not lost on Russell - the second overall pick behind Towns.

"Just to be around a guy that's done what he's done, you can't help becoming a better player and a better person," Russell said.

Julius Randle, the seventh overall draft pick in 2014, is back after breaking his right leg in Los Angeles' opener last year after playing just 14 minutes.
The Lakers have won 29 of the past 34 matchups with the Timberwolves, and 15 of the last 17 at Staples Center.

Los Angeles overcame Wiggins' 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to win 106-98 in the most recent matchup April 10.

http://www.nba.com/games/20151028/MINLAL/gameinfo.html
I LOVE BASKETBALL! GO LAKERS! #18 COMIN' UP STRONG!!! TOO EASY, JUST WAAAAY TOO EASY!!!!! NEXT! :rollyellow:
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby 3Peatkb24 » Wed Oct 28, 2015 4:12 am

A battle of 2 upcoming teams. I really hope Russell is the real deal as I wanted Okafor but that is old news and have to roll with our young Guard. I guess by not drafting Okafor it gave us Roy so I wont bitch about the pick anymore and just stay positive. The Wolves have not only Wiggins but got their young Center out of Kentucky. RIP Flip, and hopefully Kobe is healthy as well!
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby KobeMVP888 » Wed Oct 28, 2015 6:08 am

I'm so bummed, but I'll miss the entire game tonight flying to Nuggets Country unless I catch a quick glimpse of it at the Denver airport. Nate Silver, the King of Analytics, has the Lakers ranked 30th. My guess is that it is a combination of: Kobe's last legs, Hibbert's poor play last season, 3 iso chuckers, a bunch of young players, no real "3 and D" players, poor defenders, a general lack of chemistry and the West is a beast. I hope he's wrong.

Go Lakers! #17 coming up STRONG!!! Next! :roflmaomain: :pissedkobe:
I LOVE BASKETBALL! GO LAKERS! #18 COMIN' UP STRONG!!! TOO EASY, JUST WAAAAY TOO EASY!!!!! NEXT! :rollyellow:
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby lakerevolution » Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:18 am

Checking in for game number one, and the schedule-makers have seen fit to give us a relatively easy challenge to open the season. It's Randle, Clarkson and Russell time, and how Kobe, Hibbert, Huertas and Metta perform as veterans will rudder the ship. Defense should create most of our opportunities if Byron's hard-nosed influence has had any impact, and if Mamba is ready to show the league he's still an eyebrow-raiser with the ball in his hand and the soul of the team then tonight is the night. Rose and Curry set the emotional tone for their teams, and we need that kind of start if this quest for 35+ wins has any legs on it.

Let's go Lakers . . time to show the NBA world (ok, just the bottom half of the Western Conference) that we mean business.
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby NuggetsCountry » Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:57 am

It will be an interesting season, for certain. I am hopeful Kob'es last will be fun for him and he stays healthy.
As always, recently, I am all in for:

KOBE FOR 50!!!

50 of what is the evolving question.................
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby Julius Russell » Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:50 am

Predicting a W for the home crowd...
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby KobeMVP888 » Wed Oct 28, 2015 2:19 pm

I LOVE BASKETBALL! GO LAKERS! #18 COMIN' UP STRONG!!! TOO EASY, JUST WAAAAY TOO EASY!!!!! NEXT! :rollyellow:
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby Nycitylaker » Wed Oct 28, 2015 2:21 pm

Expecting improvement as the season progresses. A bit caught up with the Mets so my focus is elsewhere for now. Go Lakers!
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby KobeMVP888 » Wed Oct 28, 2015 3:11 pm

Nycitylaker wrote:Expecting improvement as the season progresses. A bit caught up with the Mets so my focus is elsewhere for now. Go Lakers!


Great game, disappointing ending last night and my favorite Met took the loss, but pitched well. I watched the whole damn thing, Jesus!
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby 3Peatkb24 » Wed Oct 28, 2015 4:08 pm

Yeah that loss sucked last night Jesus. I watched some of it. I have to go into work here in a little while but bringing my Laptop with me and following the game on ESPN. Fuck it! It's opening day. I'll be here around gametime. Go Lakers.
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby Nycitylaker » Wed Oct 28, 2015 4:27 pm

Oh, make no mistake I am excited. Mets will take game 2 then I'll switch over to the Lakeshow! :beavis:
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby Julius Russell » Wed Oct 28, 2015 5:16 pm

I think we get the W.

I like the young talent of the Wolves over ours today.
But I really like Lou and Hibbert
As well as Huertas.

I think we have just enough to be neck in neck with everyone, but the Top 5 teams, on a night to night basis
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby srafrank » Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:02 pm

:nocomment:
Nycitylaker wrote:Oh, make no mistake I am excited. Mets will take game 2 then I'll switch over to the Lakeshow! :beavis:
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby Julius Russell » Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:50 pm

Kobe shooting too much.
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Re: GM 1: 10/28/15 Wolves at Lakers GAME THREAD

Postby 3Peatkb24 » Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:56 pm

Kobe ice cold, 1-6. Still only down 11-8 early.
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