Saunders Likes ‘Other’ Lakers

Reflecting their standing vis-a-vis the Laker superstars, Brian Shaw once referred to the rest of the Lakers as “us peons,” but Timberwolf Coach Flip Saunders thinks they’re actually pretty good peons.

“You know, [Rick] Fox proved he was a very good player when he was in Boston,” Saunders said before Thursday’s game. “[Derek] Fisher would be the same way. [Mark] Madsen has established himself as a very productive player and everyone knows the history of Robert Horry....

“Are they main-type players? Probably not. [But] the reason they have had the success they’ve had is because what those guys have done here the last four years....

“I don’t think there’s any question, if those guys were available, people would want to have those guys on their team. They know how to win.... They’re all extremely smart. They’ve played in so many big games....

“I mean, the last game, even though we played probably the best game we’ve played, from an energy standpoint, from an execution standpoint, they never really looked like they were just totally rattled, even though we were up 25 or 27 or 28.... They kept within their situation.

“I think they looked at it like ... ‘You know what, we’re going to shake these guys’ hands because they played their rear ends off tonight and we’ll see what happens in the next game.’ ”

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Kevin Garnett, asked if the Wild’s surprising success in the NHL playoffs was inspiring the Timberwolves: “I wish I could sit here and say, ‘Hey, that’s motivating us.’ The Wild don’t have to deal with Shaq [O’Neal.]”

Garnett guarded Kobe Bryant for a few possessions in Game 2. An All-Defense first-teamer, Garnett is known for being able to guard anything from a big point guard to a small center.

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Saunders and Laker Coach Phil Jackson are friendly from their days coaching in the Continental Basketball Assn., although their sideline demeanors are opposites.

Saunders is demonstrative and gets around. Jackson likes to cross his legs and look as if he’s napping, although Saunders notes, “He got up more this year....

“He says, ‘You’re running up and down, the referees have got to jump over you.’ I say, ‘Listen, I’m up there, I’m begging, that’s what I’m doing. I don’t have any choice to sit back and let ‘em play a lot.’ ”