Kevin McHale, All-American

Text of Kevin McHale's halftime locker room speech last night in Sacramento (adapted from KNUTE ROCKNE- ALL AMERICAN (1940) http://archives.nd.edu/rockne/speech.html):

"Well, boys ... I haven't a thing to say. You're playing a great game...all of you. Great game...at least offensively."

[He tries to smile, knowing the Kings shot well over 60 percent in the second quarter]

"I guess we just can't expect to win ‘em all."

[McHale pauses and says quietly]

"I'm going to tell you something you've known for years...most of you know I like to Quip. It started long before your time, back in my Timberwolves broadcasting career. It's become a tradition here in Minnesota...I thought you boys could use cheering up."

[There is a gentle, faraway look in his eyes as he recalls his last smile and quip...the beginning of the 3rd quarter of the Denver game]

"And the last advice I'll give tonight: boys, this half, when you'll be up against it -- and the [fast]breaks are beating you and Foye, you just go out there, with all you got and win just one for me, the Quipper..."

[McHale's eyes become misty and his voice is unsteady as he finishes.]

"I don't know what state I'll be in, Wolves", he said, "but I'll know about it - and I'll be happy."

There is a hushed stillness as McHale and the crowd of players look at each other. In the midst of this tense silence, McHale quietly says "Alright," to the men beside him, and he limps slowly out of the dressing room.

PLAYER # 12--tonight, being played by Kevin Ollie:

"Well, what are we waiting for?"

[With a single roar, the players throw off their blankets and rush through the doorway...]

The Wolves go on to lose the game in a lackluster, passion-less game 118-103 to the Kings. They can't finish fast breaks, they can't stop anybody defensively, and--despite that dramatic plea from their head coach--they give an awful effort in the embarrassing loss.

After scoring 22 in the first half, Al Jefferson barely touches the ball in the second half. McCants does his usual "score when we're far behind" trick, finishing with 21 points in the game. Talk about lack of identity: the first half they're setting up Al in the low block, the second they ignore him and run up and down the court like a bunch of middle schoolers. However, middle schoolers are taught by coaches to stop dribble penetration at the perimeter. Randy Foye is hopelessly lost against middle to upper tier point guards.

The Wolves are wiping the smile right off of McHale's face. So much for great talent and genius coaching. All that's left is to someday, somehow, win one for the Quipper.