Game 31

Minnesota Timberwolves (4/13/2013) vs Phoenix Suns - at Target Center

In an effort to get one final NBA game in before the regular season ended, I made a last-minute trip (decided less than 24 hours before the game) to Minneapolis to see the Timberwolves play at Target Center.  A quick search for tickets on StubHub showed that there were plenty available.  I bought a ticket in the lower level; however, there were 2nd level tickets available for less than $1.  Deb thought it would be pretty cool and make for a unique part of my story to buy one of these cheap tickets.  So, 5 minutes before I left, I picked up a ticket for $0.60.  Yes that is correct - 60 cents!

It is no surprise the tickets were so cheap given the fact it was the next to the last home game for the Timberwolves and both teams are terrible....each of them finishing the season with 50+ losses. 

The photo on the left is the view of the opening tip from my lower level seat.  The view was great when the action was at this end, but a bit obstructed by the back-board when trying to see the other end.

Although the place was pretty full for a meaningless game, the atmosphere was strange.  I looked around while watching the game and it was like a dinner party.....lots of small conversations going on everywhere and there just happened to be a game playing in the background. 

There was a nice tribute to Timberwolves' coach Rick Adelman prior to the game for winning his 1,000 game a few nights before.

I spent the first half of the game in the lower level, but wanted to go check out my $0.60 seat (see view to the right - not bad).

It was an entertaining game considering both teams are pretty bad and well out of playoff contention.  Ricky Rubio had a career and game high 24 points.  He added 10 assists as well.  The game was a bit sloppy with the teams combining for 45 total turnovers.

Phoenix started off with a big lead, but the Wolves were able to close the game to just 3 at halftime.  In the end, it was the Wolves coming from behind to win 105-93.

I did not really like the arena.  For starters, it is located right down-town next to Target Field.  Traffic and parking was a bit of a challenge.  I ended up parking in a garage, which means that getting out takes forever.  The concourse areas are way too narrow with people stacked on top of each other.  When I went to the upper deck level, it was like a ghost town with virtually nothing there....very strange.

31 games now completed out of 122.   My record for the home teams is now 20-11 - including 5 in a row.  More importantly, another $198 raised for cancer research. 

Please visit my fundraising page. I encourage you to donate. http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/christopher-apel/christopherapel