Archive for July, 2012
John Carlson to Miss Several Weeks
After signing a lucrative deal with the Minnesota Vikings in the off season it appears Tight End John Carlson will miss several weeks. During Tuesday’s practice in Mankato, Carlson sprained his medial collateral ligament also commonly known as the MCL. Initial reports are calling it a sprain however Carlson will undergo a MRI to determine if further damage was done.
Carlson was the Vikings top priority this off season hoping to team him with Kyle Rudolph in Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave’s two tight end offensive.
Nothing New: USA routes Tunisia 110-63
As expected the Men’s USA Olympic Basketball team rolled through Tunisia today 110-63. Team USA struggled in the first seven minutes of the game allowing Tunisia to stay close. After their early game struggles USA regained their composure and Tunisia couldn’t keep up. Kevin Love led the team with 16 points after giving Team USA officials and Timberwolves fans a scare. In the third quarter Love Limped off the court after taking a hard fall while going for a rebound. Fortunately the injury was not serious and Love was able to return to the game. Team USA has Wednesday off and will resume play Thursday against Nigeria.
International Timberwolves Watch
Alexey Shved rises about China’s Zhou Peng for the Shot
Attention Minnesota Timberwolves fans, stop watching Team USA cruise to the gold in basketball and tune into the Russian squad. Two of Minnesota’s new additions this off season in Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved have been very dominate in International play.
In Russia’s 95-75 win over Great Britain Kirilenko was absolutely the best player on the court. Not only did he scorch Great Britain for 35points he also put in a great defensive performance by adding two steals, three blocks, and four rebounds. Kirilenko wasn’t the only one turning heads against Great Britain either. Alexey Shved, who has been dubbed the “Russian Ricky Rubio” for his on-court flair put on a great show. He dished out 13 assists (most to Kirilenko)in which he displayed amazing instincts, court vision, and ball handling. After the game Russia’s head coach David Blatt said “If I’m the Minnesota Timberwolves, I’ve got a big, fat smile on my face.” In regards to the performances of Kirilenko and Shved.
Although the duo didn’t put up quite the same ridiculous numbers in their win against China both put in solid performances. Kirilenko finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and one block. Shved added 14 points and six assists however showed his youth with three turnovers.
Kirilenko and Shved have thoroughly impressed the last two games although their performances should be taken with a grain of salt. Kirilenko isn’t as young as he once was and Shved will need time to transition to life in the NBA. If they do continue this high level of play in the NBA Timberwolves fans will soon be saying “Nicolas Batum, who?”
Ricky Rubio’s Knee healing
According to the official @RickyRubio9 Twitter account it looks as if Ricky’s knee check up in Vail, Colorado went better than expected. It still is doubtful Ricky will be ready for the start of the 2012 NBA Season but it’s great to hear he is putting in hard work and his knee is looking good.
talkTCsports 