Puppy Love

What up world,

I was unreasonably excited about the Timberwolves yesterday. Sure they had lost the last six games by an average of 30 points per games, half of the team is out with injuries, and they've already been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but they were coming to Southern California. They played the Lakers last night and there is a station in San Diego that is 100% dedicated to Laker basketball. I was going to be able to watch my Wuffies live!

I scheduled my evening in order to watch the game. I was going to do a little cleaning, make some dinner, and settle down for a night of mediocre basketball.

And then, sometime during my drive home, these plans were wiped from my memory. I ran some errands, talked with the gf, and headed to play some pick up soccer. It was only when I was leaving the soccer field that I was reminded of my original intentions. I flipped on sports talk radio, heard the waning moments of the game, and nearly punched myself in the face. Not only had I missed the opportunity to watch the team, but the game was actually close. I almost got into an accident when Corey Brewer nearly broke his skeletal frame with a dunk, bringing the Wolves within four. I couldn't believe that I was missing the excitement.

Of course the Wolves lost. The thought of them winning never crossed my mind. I was happy that they had actually made it competitive. I would have been content if they kept the winning differential less than 50 points. I finished listening to the game in the car, and immediately checked the game recap when I got home.

The first thing that jumped out at me was Kevin Love's night. I couldn't believe it, convinced that it was a typo. 24 rebounds? Was that possible for a slow white guy, with a chin strap beard, that runs like an agitated duck? No, it couldn't be correct.

I checked again. 24 rebounds and 23 points? He outrebounded his points? I was amazed. I was immediately launched into a Kevin Love frenzy. The Sota Love research team was put into action. Here are a couple of interesting things that the research team found:

- Love has played 227 minutes so far this season.
- He has 42 offensive rebounds
- He has 64 defensive rebounds
- This means that every 2.14 minutes that he's on the court, our somewhat-tubby hero is gathering a board.

He is also scoring 17.6 points per game, killing it with the ladies, and writing his own blog. All extensively researched and factually accurate. I will post a link to the inappropriately titled, "Love Will Tear Us Apart" in the sidebar. I would have encouraged him to title it "Love Will Keep Us Together", but I'll bite my tongue until we are best friends and hanging out on a nightly basis. Seriously, Kevin, let's hang out. I'm good at ping pong and making up drinking games. It will be super fun.

There is some slight tension between my boy and my coach, but I'm guessing that will simmer down a bit as the season goes on. With nights like last night, Kevin is stating his case for increased playing time. Even if his defense is grosser than a burrito that's been left out for several hours, I have faith that it will improve.

Keep getting better Kevin. Keep getting better T-Wolves. Let's leave behind those 40 point blowouts and make those small glimmers of hope more prevalent.

Countdown to 15 wins: 1

-Sota