They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. If that's true, then the Minnesota Timberwolves are the strongest team in the NBA. I'm not saying that it's easy being part of the Clippers, Hawks, and Warriors. But after a while you just get used to the losing. We know. We were in that situation far too long. But while the Timberwolves have never had to experience the NBA lottery for the past seven years, we've had to endure a fate much worse.
Hope is an amazing thing. It's what keeps men going in the direst of circumstances. And although the Wolves have had hope of playoff success in past season, they've always had to endure the agonizing pain of realizing their hope was crushed. It's that pain of shattered dreams and missed expectations that has come to define the Timberwolves organization. All we want is for the hurt to go away.
Kevin Garnett is a man who knows hurt. He knows the struggles of growing up in a hard situation. He knows how it feels to be betrayed by a friend, and even worse to lose one. He has born the burden of unachievable expectations. And even though at times, I'm sure it must've seemed like it wasn't worth going on anymore, he's laced up his shoes, pulled his jersey down over his head, and stepped out on the floor to play through the hurt.
And it doesn't stop with the leader of the team. Every man on this roster is bearing some sort of load on his shoulders that needs to be lifted. For Latrell Sprewell, it's the memory of one violent act that's haunted him through his career. For Sam Cassell, it's the need to prove he can finally lead a team to the championship. Michael Olowokandi needs to shed his image as a draft bust who doesn't know how to work hard. For Wally Szczerbiak, it's the need to prove he can overcome the injuries of the past two years and once again become a real contributor. The list goes on and on. From a point guard picked up on waivers, to a center who's struggled with his weight. Everyone is dealing with some hurt.
Most people have to struggle with their shortcomings. They learn to live with the pain and move on. But there are those few who have been given the opportunity to change their lot in life. They have that one moment where they can shed the demons of the past and stand tall. And in that moment, they will no longer be remembered for their struggles and their failures. Instead, they will be remembered as champions.
Tonight, the Minnesota Timberwolves begin their journey to the hall of the immortals. Tonight, they begin their quest to rise above all challengers and obtain the prize. Tonight, they have the chance to put to rest all the agony of the past. Tonight, the Minnesota Timberwolves can finally erase the pain.
PLAYOFFS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
First Round:
#1 Indiana over #8 Boston
#2 New Jersey over #7 New York
#3 Detroit over #6 Milwaukee
#4 Miami over #5 New Orleans
Conference Semi-Finals:
Detroit over New Jersey
Miami over Indiana
Conference Finals:
Detroit over Miami
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
First Round:
#1 Minnesota over #8 Denver
#2 Los Angeles over #7 Houston
#3 San Antonio over #6 Memphis
#4 Sacramento over #5 Dallas
Conference Semi-Finals:
Minnesota over Sacramento
San Antonio over Los Angeles
Conference Finals:
Minnesota over San Antonio
NBA FINALS:
THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES over the Detroit Pistons
