Game Report - Home Opener 2018

[Lipoli390]

Near capacity crowd tonight, but not quite as big as last season's home opener and lacking the same level of energy. But there was still fairly decent energy in the building.

As I'm sure you already know, Butler's name was greeted with a loud chorus of boos during the introductions. For what it's worth, I cheered when his name was called. Thibodeau received an even louder chorus of boos and I was definitely part of that chorus. But as you also know, Butler quickly turned those boos into cheers and eventually into the familiar MVP chant every time he went to the line. A strange night.

Obviously, Butler was fantastic tonight. He did it all with his 33 points on the offensive end and 4 steals on defense. He plays so hard and with such tremendous energy and joy as well as intelligence. We all know that's who Jimmy is. Yet, you'd think he wouldn't put up the numbers he put up tonight or that he'd show some crack or change in him game with the negative fan reaction and the drama swirling around him. But then my wife reminded me. This is a guy whose mother put him out on the street when he was 13 or 14 years old because he reminded her of his dad, who he abandoned him as an infant. So a few boos and workplace drama are nothing to Jimmy. Watching Jimmy tonight reminded me of why I was so excited to get get him last summer in spite of my doubts about his age relative to KAT and Wiggins along with his injury history.

I am and will always be a Jimmy Butler fan, in spite of his flaws and recent antics. Yet, my joy watching Jimmy was replaced in an instant of utter despair when Jimmy came up limping after making a play in the 3rd quarter. It reminded me that the joy of watching Jimmy play basketball as a Timberwolf will be fleeting. He's going to leave the Timberwolves this season or next summer. In fact, he could be traded tomorrow. In any event, he's not staying with the Wolves and that's the unfortunate reality. It seems strange to put so much into cheering for a team built at the moment primarily around a guy who going to leave within the next 9 months. My favorite moment was during the pre-game shoot-around. A groups of kids were sitting court-side with a sign that said, we love number 23. Jimmy went over to them and spend time talking with them. It was very cool.

Oh, what about the game? Well, we had a 21 point lead that shrunk to 3 points in the 4th against one of the worst five teams in the League. Tonight's win was a welcome sight, but it's nothing to brag about.

Other than Butler, my favorite Wolves players tonight were Derrick Rose and Tyus Jones. The ball moves so much better and pace is much quicker when those two guys are in the game together. The plus/minus tells the tale for both these guys. Rose looks increasingly like he has quite a bit of game left in him. Tyus looks like his shot is coming around. Wiggins played well on both sides of the ball tonight. He gave great effort consistently all game and he hit all five of his free throws. KAT struggled again, but the effort was there and his 4 blocks, especially his last one late in the 4th were huge. He also made a nice alley-oop to Jimmy in the 1st quarter. I thought Gorgui also played pretty well. Tolliver hit three threes, which gave the team a lift.

The game got close in the 2nd half when the Wolves offense started to slow and stagnate, resembling last year's typical offense. That happened largely when Rose and Tyus were out of the game and it was the Teague/Butler show. What you don't see on TV is how often Teague misses passing opportunities for easy buckets by his teammates. He always looks for his own shot first and only after several attempts to find it does he look to pass.

As far as player interactions, there wasn't any obvious friction between Jimmy and any of his teammates. I'll say that there was definitely a coldness tonight between Butler and KAT that flowed both ways. It was unique to those two. Yet, the two slapped hands a couple times and played fairly well off each other.

Another aside. In the 4th quarter, Jimmy scored an important bucket and then came over to Thibs and got in his face, shouting, "get me the ball, get me the ball."

I enjoyed the win tonight. But the Wolves are far more talented than the Cavs, yet struggled to beat them down the stretch in front a capacity home crowd on opening night. Tonight's game did not plant seeds of optimism in my outlook for the Wolves. We're a very talented team with Butler. But the time is fast approaching when the Wolves will be without him. So savor tonight's win and enjoy the ride while we're on it. That's it for now.

[crazy-canuck [enjin:18955461]]

We're so much better and better suited to play with pace. At first, i thought this was a thibs thing. Now, in thinking this is more of a teague issue.

Pace is contagious. Our tean plays with energy, plays with space , and alot more fun to watch. Rose mentioned something similar at the break , that the second unit likes to play faster.

[thedoper]

Your report about KAT and Jimmy scares me. We got to get rid of Jimmy ASAP. Even though he was masterful tonight.

[Big O [enjin:13874644]]

Serious questions... is KAT tradeable with his new contract or would Wolves have to wait? Would Jimmy stay if KAT was traded? What could the wolves expect to get back in a KAT trade? Would the Pelicans give up AD for KAT?

[crazy-canuck [enjin:18955461]]

Serious questions... is KAT tradeable with his new contract or would Wolves have to wait? Would Jimmy stay if KAT was traded? What could the wolves expect to get back in a KAT trade? Would the Pelicans give up AD for KAT?

Wolves aren't trading kat.

And trading his contract is a little difficult due to the extension.

[Monster]

We're so much better and better suited to play with pace. At first, i thought this was a thibs thing. Now, in thinking this is more of a teague issue.

Pace is contagious. Our tean plays with energy, plays with space , and alot more fun to watch. Rose mentioned something similar at the break , that the second unit likes to play faster.

Teague has also been pushing the ball up a lot. The problem of things slowing down especially tonight was trying to attack via postups or Jimmy Butler. Some of those possessions could have had a better outcome like that Wiggins postup he was housing the guy defending him but then didn't finish the play. I think there is some blame to go around but regardless I was getting so pissed at this team down the stretch on that end. Fortunately they were able to get some stops.

[Big O [enjin:13874644]]

Serious questions... is KAT tradeable with his new contract or would Wolves have to wait? Would Jimmy stay if KAT was traded? What could the wolves expect to get back in a KAT trade? Would the Pelicans give up AD for KAT?[/quote
Wolves aren't trading kat.

And trading his contract is a little difficult due to the extension.

I would if it meant keeping Jimmy and obtaining a second all star

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Serious questions... is KAT tradeable with his new contract or would Wolves have to wait? Would Jimmy stay if KAT was traded? What could the wolves expect to get back in a KAT trade? Would the Pelicans give up AD for KAT?

Wolves aren't trading kat.

And trading his contract is a little difficult due to the extension.

Wolves aren't trading Towns, correct. And if they were, 29 teams would line up ready and willing to take him. His contract would be a non-issue.

[crazy-canuck [enjin:18955461]]

Serious questions... is KAT tradeable with his new contract or would Wolves have to wait? Would Jimmy stay if KAT was traded? What could the wolves expect to get back in a KAT trade? Would the Pelicans give up AD for KAT?

Wolves aren't trading kat.

And trading his contract is a little difficult due to the extension.

Wolves aren't trading Towns, correct. And if they were, 29 teams would line up ready and willing to take him. His contract would be a non-issue.

I think we send out his current salary amount, but the team receiving him takes his extension salary amount. Thats a 20 million dollar swing.

[MikeAz [enjin:6636981]]

That 2nd quarter was fun to watch, we need to see more of that type of free flowing play more often. It was painful watching knowing that Jimmy will be gone at some point though, he is really is a top 15 talent in the league, those guys don't grow on trees and he will be missed regardless of the return. Hopefully, he keeps playing like this and ups his trade value to a more respectable level.