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Originally Posted by BCWWF
Sure its dissapointing, but I don't think that the Wolves choked here, and I don't think they lost the series because of lack of experience at all, which was the big argument going into this. The Wolves lost this series because oh talent and depth, the Lakers were simply the better team.
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It was choking, man.
Kareem Rush is not that good, but he was surrounded by such confidence that he played like a hall of famer. I mean sure he didn't do much else, but 18 points from 6 shots?
On the other hand, Fred Hoiberg, who dominated for us against the Nuggets and Kings... disappeared. Wally didn't hit an open jumper in the last two-three games, and consistently fumbles the ball when the game is on the line. He had a wide-open shot that he took forever to shoot when we were down 3, and then after taking forever, he still missed it.
In Game 7 of the Kings series, the Timberwolves played like crap, except for Kevin Garnett. He had 2 assists, when he should have had many more, but his big men all were too nervous to hold onto the ball.
The nerves were obvious. The Lakers were all playing with smiles on their faces, they knew they were the better team, and the Wolves went in expecting to lose. That is why they choked. That is why the Wolves couldn't overcome being "underdogs." You gotta put the obvious aside. You need to believe in yourselves. Minnesota didn't do that. Lakers could beat any team ever with their level of confidence. All they have to do is feel that twinge of panic that tells them they have to win, and they could beat the Eastern all stars from like, 1990.
The way the Wolves played, they kept it close, they put the pressure on LA for 3 quarters, and in the 4th quarter they got so scared they couldn't capitalize. They got outscored with Shaq out of the game! That right there proves it. Everyone was so nervous, they turned the ball over a billion times and couldn't hit open shots. It was once again KG. And I hope people realize that, and never, ever again question KG's heart.