Tonight, for the first time in a long while, Casey grabbed the go-go from what he likes to call his tool box (because it contains items that come in handy but aren't used on a regular basis). With 3:56 left in the 3rd and the score tied, Madsen replaced Griffin. At the 2:40 mark, with the score still tied, AC replaced Trenton Hassel. Boom--5 straight points, which was cut to a three-point lead as the third period ended, a margin the go-go crew held for the 2:49 of the 4th that KG sat. Then Garnett returned (earlier than usual--good move Coach Casey) and gave Wally a break and Madsen and AC spurred an energy surge that had the Wolves up 7 when Mad Dog fouled out with 5:37 left to play.

Madsen isn't effective all the time, but ever since he arrived in Minnesota, it's been apparent that he boxes out extremely well, knows how to create low-post space for Garnett on offense (knows how to get out of the way, in other words) and, especially in conjunction with AC, gives the squad a scrappy intensity that provides them with the benefit of the doubt on borderline calls with the officials. In other words, Mark Madsen is a quietly valuable dude.