Game Report - Home Opener 2018

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Thanks for the game report Lip.

Rose probably had his best game as a Timberwolf. He really does hustle out there. Still, defensively he gets abused because guys like Hood, Clarkson, DeRozan, etc. can just rise up and shoot over him. I love the effort though. He doesn't get blown by as easily as Crawford did.

As others have said, watching them get out and run, throw outlet passes (KAT mostly), getting fast break dunks....what a sight for sore eyes. But again....Cleveland. That won't happen against most other teams.

[Lipoli390]

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?

There's a poison-pill provision that comes along with the rookie max extension. So as a practical matter, KAT couldn't be traded until next summer. Would Butler stay if we traded KAT? I have no idea. I think the Butler's issue goes well beyond KAT. And I'll still take the 23 year old allstar who plays 82 games a year over the 29 year old allstar who averages 67 games a year.

[Lipoli390]

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.

I agree with you on the 2nd quarter. But keep in mind we were playing a terrible defensive team. They ranked near the bottom of the League last season WITH LeBron. But again, it was fun to watch the Wolves on offense in that quarter.

I agree that it's painful to watch Jimmy knowing that he'll be gone at some point - probably sometime this season but definitely before next season.

[Duke13]

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.

I agree, I thought Teaguewas pushing pace more then we saw last year. Not all game but certain stretches he was. Rose and Tyus played well. Sharing the ball isn't in Rose's DNA, so we'll do if this continues.

[Wolvesfan21]

You got to remember Love is guarding the paint for most of the game and he is a layup line. The dude couldn't block a shot from my 13 year old Nephew. But it was an enjoyable game non the less.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Nice report, Lip...glad you were able to enjoy a fun opener and be there in person to boo Thibs!

I just finished the replay, and found it thoroughly enjoyable...at least until the standard Thibs 4th quarter collapse. I have to agree with Lip that Butler, Tyus and Rose were the stars of the game. I'm loving the energy of the second unit, and note that they were a combined +51 for the game while the starters were -11.

I'm hoping this team can sustain the energy they showed in this game because it was very entertaining, but I'm concerned that it was mostly 1st game enthusiasm and may wane under the cloud of Thibs and team drama.

I'm going to keep hoping for a miraculous outcome though...where Jimmy has so much fun with this talented team (especially playing with the high-intensity second unit) that he changes his mind and signs a contract to stay. This team is incredibly talented, and can really do some damage this year if they can stay healthy and avoid the destructive drama.

As Doper says...Go Wolves!