Modern sports writing focuses less on telling readers exactly what happened in a game, and for good reason. There are countless ways to instantly glean the big moments from a game even if you didn’t watch it live as long as you have a computer, tablet or a phone.
If you’re reading this right now, I assume you have at least one of the three.
Writers who cover specific teams for their “beats,” then, are tasked with telling readers the story beyond what was plainly visible: the sights and sounds, the introspective quotes and the big-picture perspective that come from having access to players and coaches.
The Star Tribune is lucky to employ many talented beat writers, including Timberwolves writer Chris Hine. When he covers a game, as he did Monday in Memphis, he will tell readers what happened. But he will also take you deep inside the locker room.
It’s probably fortunate for Hine that sports writing has taken this pivot in recent years. Otherwise, he would probably end up writing nearly identical game stories a lot this season, and particularly when the Wolves lose.
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and I talked about the familiarity of the 108-106 loss to Memphis during Tuesday’s Daily Delivery podcast, while Hine will join Wednesday’s show to offer even more insights into this Wolves season.
The Wolves have played 28 “clutch” games, the most in the NBA, and are 12-16 in those games. That accounts for all but five of their losses this season.
With more time to ruminate on it, I was able to create a handy template of sorts for Wolves fans who might want to construct their own more traditional game recaps without having to start from scratch every time. In the case where there are multiple options, you choose which one is applicable. Here you go:
