Love offers to buy tickets for Timberwolves fans
By Jon Krawczynski
AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS -- Kevin Love is trying to make Minnesota Timberwolves fans an offer they can't refuse.
Love tweeted that if a fan buys a ticket to their game against Sacramento on Monday, he will then buy that fan the same ticket for their game Wednesday against Detroit.
"It's a simple way to say thank you to our fans," Love said on Friday before the team played at New Orleans. "They've been behind us all the way and the crowds thus far have been amazing."
Love approached team officials with his idea earlier this week. So far the limit has been set at 500 tickets, but Love and the team will re-evaluate that if and when the number is reached.
"It's awesome," said Ryan Tanke, Timberwolves senior vice president of tickets and premium seating. "For our staff to see your star player wanting to do something like this, it gives everyone an extra bounce in their step. It's pretty unique."
Love entered the game against the Hornets leading the team with 24.6 points per game and 14.7 rebounds per game. Coming off his first All-Star appearance last season, Love is the only player in the league to register a double-double in each of the first 10 games of the season.
Even though the Wolves have won just three of those games, the Target Center has had a new energy this season with the arrivals of Ricky Rubio, Derrick Williams and coach Rick Adelman.
Last year the Wolves averaged 15,243 fans per game, good for 24th in the league. This year, with the help of Rubio, Love and a star-studded schedule that has included games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, average attendance has jumped more than 2,000 per game to 17,442, which is 14th in the league.
The Kings are drawing the fewest fans in the league in their road games and the Pistons lack the star power that will induce people to buy tickets as well. So Love is doing his part to keep the momentum going.
"We're a team that feeds off their energy," Love said. "Their support means a lot and I hope everyone can take advantage of the offer and make it out on the 16th and 18th."
