Here's something that will stun any Timberwolves fan who suffered through that 15-victory season a year ago.
Their team returned to practice at Target Center on Friday after a long flight back home from Europe and coach Kurt Rambis said the most memorable part of preseason games in London against the Lakers and Paris against the Knicks was ... the Wolves defense?
Even New York forward Amare Stoudemire was surprised by his opponent's defensive intensity. "We're not used to seeing that in preseason," he said.
Inconceivable.
"I'm proud of that," Wolves forward Michael Beasley said. "I think my guys are proud of that. You want to send a message that we're here to play. I'm not saying we're going to win every game, but it's not going to be easy [for opponents] at all."
Last season, the Wolves surrendered 100 points or more in 57 of 82 games. They also allowed 120 points or more 15 times and set a franchise record by giving up 152 points in a game against Phoenix.
Granted, it's just preseason and Kobe Bryant barely played Monday, but ... the Wolves held the Lakers to 44 percent shooting and the Knicks to 40 percent.
"That's where we want to be," said Rambis, who has challenged his team to hold every opponent under 45 percent shooting in games. "The team is hungry and they want to win, and we've been stressing that defense is a huge component whether we win ballgames."
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/104606234.html
