As for the actual gameplay, Kevin Garnett and Troy Hudson slapped the Lakers D in the face, then popped them right in the mouth. Hudson, with or without picks, is dancing around Derek Fisher and Jannero Pargo, and then pulling up right in their face and unloading. His shooting was less accurate, but he still contributed more than enough. Kevin Garnett's fadeaway was unstoppable, but the defensive switch for Devean George slowed him down a bit. I'm still wondering why there's no double for Garnett, especially if Peeler or Gill is on the floor. Peeler has always been a good shooter, but if Garnett's gunning like that, I'd rather take my chances and hustle with the defensive rotation to challenge Peeler rather than let Garnett work one-on-one against a lacking Laker frontcourt. Double Garnett, and maybe this would be a little interesting.

And about the Lakers, well, they need to realize this is playoff basketball and that they're not the above the league like they were two years ago. They made the right adjustments to the full-court pressure, but they still haven't solved the problem of Minnesota's semi-zone. Garnett is constantly doubling off his man, whether it be Madsen or Horry, before Shaq even has the ball. Smart strategy. Plus the Lakers need to make shots, role players and "Dynamic Duo". Kobe as well as Shaq missed several easy layups. Kobe did much better in creating his shot than in game 2 by keeping his dribble alive instead of relying on the pump-fake, but he didn't make the easier shots the dribble got him. Shaq was horrific all-around, missing from everywhere. The only person who looked good was Derek Fisher, and he's not gonna carry a team on his back.

So good job to the T-Wolves, they've stepped up the last two games and slugged the Lakers like no other team in the first round has. And Lakers, play like motivated men, instead fifth graders.

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