NBA game: Philadelphia 76’s vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Yesterday evening we attended the NBA exhibition game between the Philadelphia 76’s and the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was the last unofficial game before the NBA season kicks off on October 30th.
It seemed an ideal opportunity to have good tickets to see one of worlds most talented point-guards, Spanish Ricky Rubio (23 years) play. The official website announced 150$ for any close seats, but www.stubhub.com sold us tickets on the 4th row for 30$. Seems pretty much that the official website is a rip-off for tourists.
It was nice to see two completely different coaching styles on both sides. Legendary coach Rick Adelman is coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves and didn’t seem to care much about this pre-season game. On the other side is the rather young coach Brett Brown, who was worked up all game long, including taking a technical. Probably the stress for the coach of this Philadelphia team is way higher. They appear to have one the weakest teams of the NBA. Their slogan for the upcoming season “Together we build” says it all. The 76’s never made a chance during the game, not even against the second/third line-up op the Wolves. The only time the locals were really enthousiastic about their home team was the moment they reached 100 points. Scoring 100 points means a free Big Mac for every fan.
Minnesota actually has a pretty nice team, with a large European intake. 23-year old Ricky Rubio is one of my favourite players and clearly runs the show on the court. Ronny Turiaf is French and one of the products of worlds best youth programs at INSEP in Paris. I’m so glad I had the chance to visit this top level program by the French federation in 2012. Other European players are Shved and Peckovic. And of course USA Team player Kevin Love is just a very talented sharpshooter!
Next wednesday, Miami Heat and Lebron James are in town for the opening night of the NBA season. In 1998, I was in Chicago to watch Michael Jordan play (thanks to Thomas Heynickx). How nice would it be to see Lebron play during my second visit to the USA? I would be able to compare them by myself. Tickets start at 75$ for for being in the top of the stadium…
Game picture. Spanish Ricky Rubio is clearly the organiser of this decent team.
The only time the locals were very enthousiastic about trheir team… Free Big Mac if they score 100 points…
Ronny Turiaf (Fra and ex-INSEP) and former Dallas player Barea (22 pts)
Video review by the refs. Ricky Rubio in discussion with USA team member Kevin Love, Pekovic on the left
Minnesota coach Rick Adelman
Coach Rick Adelman in action during a time-out.
Minnesota coaching staff discussing at the beginning of the time-out. Former Portland player Terry Porter is the first assistant coach.
Phildelphia 76’s coach Brett Brown
Tip-off
Ronny Turiaf entertaining the audience