| Minnesota’s Playoff Hopes On Life Support Authored by Jacob Maxson - April 9, 2005 - 12:52 am
Minnesota’s prayer of earning that eighth and final playoff spot became just that Friday night; a prayer. Falling 107-104 to the red hot Denver Nuggets, the Wolves chances of catching the Memphis Grizzlies are a long shot.
Minnesota made an 11-2 fourth quarter run to tie the game at 89, only to watch it slip away. They kept it within four points during the final five minutes of the game, battling back repeatedly against a Denver offensive assault.
Sam Cassell attempted a 3-pointer as time ran out which would have tied the game at 107, but it fell just sort, bouncing off the front of the rim and out.
Despite missing the final shot, Sam Cassell deserves the highest praise. His 4th quarter performance kept the Wolves within striking distance. 19 of his 27 points came in the second half. If there was one guy who Kevin McHale wanted to take that shot, it was Cassell. That’s how the cookie crumbles, just like the Wolves season.
Garnett had 26 points along with 16 rebounds, but his domination wasn’t enough to cool the nuggets off. Carmelo scored a solid 26 points, and Andre Miller added 22 points and 15 assist.
All night, Denver made it look easy in the offensive end, while the Wolves had to work hard for every bucket. It was just a matter of time.
All hope isn’t lost yet. In a miracle situation Minnesota could win five or six of their final seven games, while Memphis could lose all but one or two. Impossible? No. Improbable? Yes.
Minnesota has won six of their last eight games, and is playing their best basketball of the season. Memphis has an outrageously difficult schedule ahead of them. They play Dallas twice, San Antonio twice, and Denver one more time. Keep your fingers crossed wolves fans, but don’t hold your breathe.
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