Timberwolves Unveil Patch To Honor Flip Saunders
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves face the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night in the home opener for the Timberwolves.
It will be the first time the Timberwolves have played in the Target Center since the death of Flip Saunders, the head coach and president of basketball operations. Saunders stepped away from the organization back in August after it was announced he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Saunders battled the cancer four months before it was announced he had passed away a week ago Sunday. He was 60 years old.
The Timberwolves opened the season with a 112-11 win over the Lakers in Los Angeles, then headed to Denver and beat the Nuggets 95-78 to get off to a 2-0 start.
A capacity crowd is expected at Target Center for Monday night's game. There are several things taking place to honor the life of Saunders. There will be a video tribute starting at 7 p.m., and fans planning on attending the game should be in their seats by 6:45.
There are also tribute boards at the Target Center for fans to leave well wishes and their favorite memories of Saunders. The Timberwolves are also unveiling a patch to honor Saunders Monday night that will be on jerseys the remainder of the season.
Tonight we will debut the commemorative patch that will be worn by the players this season in honor of Flip #ForFlip pic.twitter.com/XZQteOBuRV
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 2, 2015
There are even tributes to Saunders around downtown Minneapolis, including a sign on the front of popular music venue First Avenue that says "We love Flip."
It will be an emotional night for everyone with the Timberwolves organization. Minnesota also hosts the Miami Heat Thursday night before heading to Chicago on Saturday.