The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

_{Photo copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)}

Game #37, Home Game #19: Minnesota 96, Miami 99

Season Record: 11-26

1. Don't Overthink It

_{Photo copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)}

Game #26, Home Game #13: Minnesota 102, Houston 109

Season Record: 4-22

1. Compete or Develop?

_{Photo copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)}

Game #17, Road Game #9: Orlando 100, Minnesota 89

Season Record: 4-13

1. Rubbing It In

_{Photo copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)}

Game #4, Home Game #2: Minnesota 125, San Antonio 129

Season record: 1-3

1. The Offense Finally Arrives

Chicago Bulls 85, Minnesota Timberwolves 75

1. Steady Al and the Clanging Non-Jeffersons

Al Jefferson did what he does, dipsy-doodling his up-fakes, baseline spins, up-and-unders, floaters, baby hooks and catch-and-slams in the paint against an assortment of single and double-teams tonight at the Target Center. You know the drill: 19 points (8-15 FG) and 11 rebounds in 25:28. During the time he was on the court, the Wolves outscored the Chicago Bulls 52-48.

Note: I know I said I'd have a Wolves recap for you Monday, but with all the playoff ball consuming my time (not to mention other writing projects--my editors know what they are) I now realize I'm never going to get this done unless I break it into parts.

^{AP Photo by Carlos Osorio}

Game #81, Road Game #41: Minnesota 103, Detroit 115

Season Record: 21-60

1. One More Smallball Razzing

^{Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)}

Game #75, Road Game #37: Minnesota 88, Phoenix 117

Game #76, Home Game #39: Memphis 113, Minnesota 101

Season Record: 19-57

1. Jefferson Finally Cracks

Minnesota played its best basketball game of the season to beat Utah earlier this season. They played one of their worst, least inspired games in the rematch with the Jazz, a contest in which my criticism of the Wolves' effort was greeted by many commenters with: "We knew they had no chance because Utah remembers what happened the first time and wants revenge."

Okay, I wasn't there this afternoon--out of town on another assignment--so what happened?

^{Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)}

Game #64, Road Game #31: Minnesota 121, Seattle 116

Season Record: 15-49

1. Engines In the Backcourt, Stoppers Up Front