tonight, tonight

Moments ago, in a brief fit of lucidity, I bought tickets to tonight's Sonics v. Timberwolves contest. I'm a closet fan, sneaking in games anywhere I can get free television--my folks' (or the in-laws') place, Circuit City, sports bars, neighbors' windows.

Why recent games don't matter, and why it oughtta be a goodie:

LAST TIME
With the Timberwolves coming to town at .500 for the season on Jan. 21, the Sonics were hoping to let sleeping dogs lie. They didn't. Minnesota used a 14-0 run around the first and second quarters to wrest control of the game, going with a small shooting-heavy lineup to counter the Sonics perimeter punch. The lineup worked for 37 points in the second quarter, Minnesota taking an 11-point lead to the break. The Sonics threatened several times, but could never retake the lead. They trailed 111-107 with 1:47 to play, but would not score again as Minnesota got two key offensive rebounds on their last possession to run down the clock on a 112-107 win. The Timberwolves bench scored a team-record 72 points, Szczerbiak leading the way with 34, the most ever scored by a Minnesota reserve. Allen led the Sonics with 25, Ridnour scoring a career-high 19 points.

Here's hoping the Supes can stick it to 'em this time. (Two cliches, gratis.)

Soon to Seattle I go. Adios.

Update: We won, in classic rope-a-dope style. Except it wasn't intentional. Thanks to a $46 investment, the wife and I scored free blankets, glow sticks, pins, and entertainment by some crazy-good break dancers, the Husky Marching Band, Colton High's pep band, Taylor Dayne, and other assorted b-siders. Oh, and a heck of a basketball game, too.