Hi everyone,

Almost time for the Wolves to host the New Orleans Hornets here inside the Target Center. What I like to do with these live blogs is to post my random, train-of-thought comments at the end of each quarter. So, as a quarter is wrapping up, be sure to check in.

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Hornets starting five–Paul, Butler, Stojakovic, Marks and Ely.

Wolves starting five–Telfair, Foye, Gomes, Smith and Jefferson.

When Kevin McHale and the coaching staff walked out onto the court prior to tipoff, the fans near the Wolves bench clapped for them. This is the first time I’ve witnessed this, whether the coach was Dwane Casey, Randy Wittman or McHale. Seems as if fans appreciate McHale more as a coach then as the man behind the scenes.

No Tyson Chandler or David West tonight for New Orleans means there aren’t any excuses for both Craig Smith and Al Jefferson not to dominate inside. Chris Paul, on the other hand, should light up Telfair, Foye and anyone else who might guard him.

The Hornets have the ugliest uniforms in the league. Is it even debatable?

It’s definitely good to see Corey Brewer back with the team, sitting behind the bench. During the national anthem as he was facing away from me, I didn’t recognize him since he shaved off his mini-fro.

On two straight trips, Sean Marks hits jumpshots since Craig Smith decides not to play defense. This is fool’s gold for Marks and although Smith’s defense is god-awful, he should let him continue to shoot.

Just over six minutes in and Jefferson has two dunks. Does anyone remember a game when he had more than on slam when Wittman was coaching?

If Ryan Gomes is the barometer for the Timberwolves, early signs aren’t good. On offense, he’s non-existent and is letting Stojakovic get open for three-pointers. Carney seems to be a better matchup against Peja, so he is my pick for first off the bench.

Almost immediately following my pick for Carney off the bench, McHale taps Miller to check in and pulls him back.

A crazy scramble for a lose ball has Posey fly into the Timberwolves bench. I can’t decide if I like the fact that team owner, Glen Taylor, helped Posey back to his feet to play defense. Doesn’t seem right.

Pooh Richardson is in the house and receives a great ovation from Wolves fans then takes his seat on the baseline.

So, I was officially wrong in my pick for first off the bench. At 2:10 left in the first quarter, Kevin Love and Mike Miller sub in for Jefferson and Telfair.

End of first quarter

30-25 New Orleans.

Wolves allow Hornets to shoot 65% from the field. Not good.

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Second quarter

Hornets start: Daniels, Peterson, Wright, Posey and Ely

Wolves start: Foye, Carney, Miller, Cardinal and Love.

Kevin Love just had the most beautiful TURNOVER I’ve ever seen. Fighting for an offensive rebound, Love had enough control of the ball for a wrap around pass to a cutting Carney, who wasn’t expecting the pass and was unable to hold on.

After missing a wide-open three-pointer, Mike Miller was determined to make a shot. He puts his head down, drives to the hoop and makes the layup. Nice to see a ball go through the net for Miller, but at what point do we really get upset with him for not hitting the three as advertised?

A defensive three-second violation for Minnesota brings my disappointment level to its highest point of the evening. After the technical free throw, Morris Peterson drains a three to give New Orleans a 10-point lead. Remember me saying no excuses at the beginning of the game?

Al Jefferson checks in for Cardinal at the 7:07 mark with the Hornets leading 43-34. Let’s see if Big Al can wake his team up and lead them out of the doldrums.

During the time out with 5:50 remaining, the entire team looks sleepy and bored even though they’re trailing by 12-points. You’d hope they’d wake up sometime soon and feel the need to give their home fans some sort of a show, but maybe they’re thinking they’ll wait until the second half. Either way, the first half has not been their shining moment.

Randy Foye shoots his clear-path violation free throws with blood on the back of his jersey, prompting the Wolves to call timeout. After hitting both freebies, the Wolves trail 39-48, but also have the ball out of the timeout. Maybe Foye drawing the clear-path foul on Wright will prompt better play from the team heading into the half.

What most annoys me in the first half is the team’s inability to get Jefferson the ball…and his inability to DEMAND that they do just that.

I’m not even going to lie to my readers…I am a smoker. I always sneak out a few minutes before half to be sure to be back in my seat for the second half. As I leave for that ever-important break at the 2:18 mark, the Wolves trail 41-52. What will the halftime score be?

Halftime 56-51 New Orleans. (Darn me and my hideous habit.)

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Third Quarter

Hornets start: Same as starting five.

Wolves start: Same as starting five.

First play of the second half equals a Sean Marks missed jumper and Jefferson drills a shot over him on the other end. The percentages are turning in the Wolves favor.

Game tied at 60 on an Al Jefferson dunk. The obvious difference already? The team is aggressively getting the ball to Jefferson, making their franchise player lead them…and he’s doing it. Aggressively getting the ball to “Big Al,” leads to open shots for teammates, such as the struggling Gomes…who just hit a three-pointer to give the Wolves their first lead of the game.

The Hornets look out of sorts right now. That is, outside of Chris Paul. Jefferson and Smith have, at this moment, combined for 35 points with 3:46 remaining in the third…and New Orleans doesn’t have an answer.

Can the Hornets really continue to hit three-pointers at this clip? Another three from Posey ties the game at 71. It seems as if the Wolves just can’t make that push to pull away, although they are clearly outplaying the Hornets at this point.

Timeout at 2:56. Remember my statement in the first half that the Wolves looked tired during a first half timeout? This timeout is quite different, as they’re cheering each other on and very animated during the stoppage of play. Imagine if they could do so for an entire 48-minute game? That would be great.

Randy Foye took a shot after the buzzer and James Posey blocked it in the same fashion that Kevin Garnett does. Foye proceeds to shoot the ball again with more arc, making it impossible for Posey to block it. He drained the shot and those who saw the exchange loved it.

Jefferson sits with 45 seconds remaining in the quarter and the Wolves trailing by three. Can his teammates help him out, keeping the game close until his return? As I type the question, Rodney Carney drills a three with 29.5 left to tie it at 79.

End of third 79-81 New Orleans.

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Fourth Quarter

Hornets start: Daniels, Butler, Stojakovic, Posey and Bowen

Wolves start: Telfair, Carney, Miller, Smith and Love

The quarter starts with a shooting display by Carney, getting the crowd cheering. A three by Stojakovic quiets them back down. The Wolves should have control of this game, but the amazing three-point shooting by New Orleans is keeping them in it.

On a fast break…doesn’t Carney run like a deer?

I love that Telfair is finally becoming comfortable with his shot. Coming around a screen, Bassy just pulls up for a three and drills it. That hasn’t been a staple of his game throughout his career, but is a wonderful sight for Wolves fans.

Yet another Posey three ties the game at 91. A simply amazing shooting display from behind the arc by the visitors.

Foye and Jefferson sub in for Telfair and Smith with the score 91-93 New Orleans. Franchise and “Fourth Quarter Foye” to bring home a win?

Carney’s fast break dunk gives the Wolves a 94-93 lead…and cements Rashad McCants place at the end of the bench.

Did anyone else notice Jefferson when Miller missed the three that led to the travel on Love at 5:49? As the shot was in the air, Jefferson held a fist in the air and began to walk to the other end of the court. All this while Love fought for rebounding position, eventually bringing it in. It’s great that Jefferson has confidence in his teammate, but little lapses such as that can cause your team to lose in a close game like this.

With each basket, the crowd is rocking in Target Center in a manner unfamiliar to this building in quite awhile. The energy from the Timberwolves, effort and, most importantly, production is reciprocated by the fans and it’s a great atmosphere. If you haven’t been to a game this season, folks…you should come down and check it out.

Timeout at 2:37. Wolves lead 103-101. Who will be McHale’s crunch time lineup? He keeps the same five, as he should. Foye, Carney, Miller, Love and Jefferson.

The automatic Randy Foye fourth quarter three gives Minnesota a 106-101 lead. More impressive was Foye’s defense on Stojakovic on the other end…leading to another Foye three to, essentially, put the game away. Minnesota up 109-101 with 1:29 left.

Telfair checks in for Carney with 41 seconds left and the fans reward Carney with a loud ovation. He deserved it…and to think the Sixers gave him to the Wolves for nothing.

A win is a win is a win, but we must remember the Hornets were playing without both David West and Tyson Chandler. Yes, I’m somewhat of a party-pooper, but I do wonder if the outcome would have been the same if they had played. In the end, as I said, a win is a win and they’ll take it.

You have to love the heart this team began to show…right when they could have begun to go through the motions.

WOLVES WIN 116-108