Act like you've been there before.
Yeah, it's easier said than done when you haven’t been there. The NBA on TNT team absolutely torched and mocked the Timberwolves for acting the way they did after winning their play-in game over the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104. And they weren't the only ones, as it was very prevalent all over social media. You either loved the over the top celebration or hated it. There was no in between.
To quote the Pet Shop Boys "what have we done to deserve this?" Is it because we're an easy target? Are Minnesota fans so desperate for any type of success that we'll go crazy over the smallest wins? Well, yes and yes. But the problem with that logic is, this was not a small win. In the past 15 seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves have won less than 25 games seven times. SEVEN times. They're coming off a 2020-2021 season in which they won 23 games. So to double the win total, and advance to a series you feel you have a shot in? You're absolutely right we'll take it.
Patrick Beverley made it known he wanted this one bad. There was no secret. The fans knew it. When someone loves us, we love them back. Since day one, he’s endeared himself to the fan base and become the heartbeat of this team. So that added another level of intensity to the atmosphere and why this had a big time feel.
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Why are people so up in arms and bent out of shape about a team winning a game to get into the playoffs? What makes it different than MLB teams winning a Wild Card game to advance to the next round of the playoffs? After all, we see the popping of the champagne and jubilation in their locker room. We understand why. They're a step closer to the ultimate goal of a championship. Is this no different? What made this different was the players celebrating with the fans and they fed off each other.
What makes this different than a college team winning a game in the "First Four '' to advance to the real March Madness? After all, they earned the right to celebrate, didn't they?
How about storming the field or court during a regular season college football or basketball game? Why is that revered and almost admired, yet a team earning a chance to move on in the playoffs is mocked and ridiculed. After all, there was actually something at stake in the Wolves vs. Clippers matchup.
I don't understand the hypocrisy. For a team that has two playoff appearances in 18 years (and really didn't have much of a chance against Houston in 2018), this is a major step forward.
Would it be different if it was a different franchise? I mean, what if the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks did it? Or the Orlando Magic or Oklahoma City Thunder? Would they be getting the same amount of criticism, or is it just Minnesota?
The play-in tournament was designed to create more excitement for fans, and that's exactly what happened at the Target Center. Players and fans alike were able to live in the moment. I'm sure if you asked Adam Silver he would say it accomplished that goal.
Life is all about small victories and celebrating them. Sports are entertainment, and supposed to be fun. And that's what it was. If you didn't find it fun or entertaining, that's a you problem.
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