Howling Wolf: Michael Beasley Puts on Show Versus Los Angeles Lakers
For many NBA players the pre-season is nothing more than a prelude to what’s really important—the regular season. For others it’s a means to prove or validate their position on a roster.
Enter Michael Beasley, the Minnesota Timberwolves' newest starting small forward.
Beasley was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves back on July 10, 2010 for two future second-round draft picks. Along with packing his bags, he seemed to carry along the criticism that he was a failed project in Miami. Some even muttered talks of him being a bust.
So for the past 85 days prior to yesterday’s game versus the Los Angeles Lakers, Beasley got to answer questions on why many viewed him as a failure, and if he could be a player capable of carrying a team on a consistent basis.
Putting the NBA on Notice
In front of a packed arena of British fans that came to see Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers, Beasley would steal the show. It was evident from the player introductions that this game meant more to Beasley than arguably any other player on the floor.
For all of training camp and Minnesota’s offseason workouts he dealt with the uncertainty of not even knowing if he would be a starter. After all, the Timberwolves had a player many believed to be better than Beasley already at his starting position (Kevin Love).
So in a way, just earning a starting spot was a mild victory for him.
But Beasley had bigger plans yesterday afternoon. He had a point to make, and it was clear as day: No longer would he leave anything on the table.
After the Timberwolves secured the opening tip, the Wolves opened their offense by featuring Michael Beasley, who was being covered by Ron Artest. Beasley would turn the ball over trying to hit Kevin Love on the post.
Normally an early mistake like this in Miami last season would draw boos from the 100 or so Heat fans in attendance. But he wasn’t in Miami, and the British fans clearly understood that one play doesn’t define a player.
The Lakers would go down and score on a Bryant outlet pass to Lamar Odom. 2-0 Lakers. 23 seconds later, with his first attempt as a Timberwolves’ player, Beasley would connect on am 18 feet jumper off a catch-and-shoot play.
And just like that, all the pressure and harsh criticism he received in Miami was gone.
For the first time in his NBA career Beasley looked to be at ease, he looked to be at home. The Timberwolves organization allowed him to be who he is, and that’s a legit go-to-scorer.
Fighting Through His Early Jitters
Beasley would play the first five minutes and 10 seconds of the game before he was substituted for Martell Webster. The Timberwolves were tied with the Lakers 11-11.
Beasley accounted for five points on two-of-four shooting from the field and one-of-two from the charity line. He also had three turnovers, two on foolish passes, and one on a play he was clearly tripped by Ron Artest.
However, his biggest contribution came with his vocal leadership. He urged his teammates to fight and play with energy. He also had a three-possession stint where he was forced to defend Kobe Bryant. He forced Bryant to pass on one occasion, and forced two missed shots on the others.
But everything wasn’t all peaches and cream for Beasley. Wolves head coach Kurt Rambis would later admit that Beasley was “freelancing” a bit to much for his liking, and that he needs to stay within the constructs of the offense.
Beasley would sit for the remainder of the first quarter and wouldn’t return until the 6:54 mark of the second. That’s nearly an entire quarter on the bench, something he dealt with far two often in Miami.
This is what often prompted Beasley to disappear in games after decent starts while a member of the Heat. But again, he’s no longer a member of the Heat and he has something he wants to prove to the rest of the NBA.
Beasley Shows His Mental Growth
Beasley would enter the game with the Timberwolves down 37-40. He and his teammates proceeded to go on an eight-to-two run, going up 45-42.
The Lakers would then go on a seven-to-nothing run, putting them up 49-45.
Over the time span of roughly four minutes, Beasley only took one shot, but still he kept his head in the game and constantly kept his teammates' heads in the game.
Beasley would close out the half going perfect from the field in the second quarter. He finished with 11 points on four-of-six shooting, one rebound, and four turnovers.
The Wolves would trail the Lakers 55-56 at the half.
Beasley displayed that he could overcome being taken aside by his coach, criticized, and facing similar disciplinary situations of his Miami Heat past.
A Leader Is Born
After a first half of highs and lows, Beasley decided to display why so many people once viewed him as promising. He erupted for 10 points in a little over four minutes. The outburst sparked a 12-2 run from the Timberwolves, and gave them a 67-58 lead over the Lakers.
Beasley went four-for-four, had two offensive rebounds, one defensive rebound, three steals, and one block in a little over four minutes and 23 seconds.
Beasley’s teammates and coaches couldn’t do anything but smile and throw high fives at him. Yes, it came during a preseason game. But for many associated with the franchise, It was the closet thing to a franchise player they had witnessed on their side in a long time.
Beasley would play to the 5:53 mark of the quarter before finally sitting for the remainder of the game. His Timberwolves were ahead 71-60, allowing only four points during his time on the court, and forcing the Lakers into six turnovers.
His mission had been accomplished. He proved that he can and will be the face of this franchise, should they allow it. He proved that he wasn’t just talking all summer, but instead he had put in work to better himself mentally and physically.
Sign of Things to Come
This was still just a preseason game, and Beasley will not score 21 points in 18 minutes of play every game (though he had quite a few of those games in Miami). He also won’t have six turnovers in many games either; he’s generally good at taking care of the ball.
What should be taken from this game is how he interacted with his teammates and the coaching staff. It’s something that didn’t happen enough in Miami often enough in Miami: Support and encouragement.
The Timberwolves’ organization understands Beasley needs them, but most importantly, Beasley understands the Timberwolves need him just as much.
Admittedly, it was one pre-season game that had nothing on the line but pride. Beasley provided the Timberwolves fan base with hope and a sign of things to come.
Hopefully they’ll return the sentiment, and do what Heat fans never got around to doing: Understanding and appreciating the player that is Michael Beasley.
Before You Leave
