WildWolf2813 wrote:Nothing to worry about with the rookies. Hummel and Muhammad played 6 minutes at the end of a blowout. Nothing eye popping was gonna show up in that time. Dieng in all honesty was impressive defensively. Really held his own against Ibaka filling in for Turiaf. Let's be concerned when our rookies struggle in a big spot, not at the end of a blowout.
The Wolves play in NY next, so that means I'll definitely supply a game report for that one.
I really like Dieng's instincts on defense. He seems to understand weakside help concepts, how to hedge out on the pick and roll, and how to time his shot challenges. I think the key for him is simply getting more reps and ultimately getting some time on the floor along with the big boys. It's going to take some time, but I think he will eventually be a very nice backup big man.
Camden wrote:
Lip, I'm not worried about K-Mart. Gotta remember that in the last two games, he's been guarded by Afflalo, Oladipo and Sefalosha. Tough defenders for anyone to go off on and he still scored 24 and 9 (24 minutes) in the two games. Think he'll draw Shumpert's attention on Sunday, which is another tough assignment. Hopefully he plays like the efficient SG he is known to be. *Would also like to note that he's not getting the benefit on some foul calls. ORL game he was robbed of several and-1s or fouls. Tonight he was robbed two fouls for sure. One of them he got tech'd up on and the other he made a crazy mid-range one hander that should have been an and-1.
One thing to note is that even though Martin isn't shooting the ball, the very fact he's on the floor means his guy won't double off of him. That spaces the floor for roll men and cutters.
Lip, Williams deserved the praise you gave him. Man, if he could play like that off the bench for us on a consistent basis it would be just huge for us. And I'm not talking about James Harden-esque 6th man numbers. Just come in and provide efficient offense, solid defense, and good rebounding. He played within the system for some easy hoops early, and then finally had a nice one-on-one opportunity posting up Thabo. That's what he needs to do if he's going to play the 3: Make timely basket cuts, run the floor, and post up smaller wings when the opportunity presents itself.
I suspect Williams will get plenty of minutes on Sunday, as he's probably much better suited to defend 'Melo than pretty much anyone else we have.
Camden wrote:
Lip, I'm not worried about K-Mart. Gotta remember that in the last two games, he's been guarded by Afflalo, Oladipo and Sefalosha. Tough defenders for anyone to go off on and he still scored 24 and 9 (24 minutes) in the two games. Think he'll draw Shumpert's attention on Sunday, which is another tough assignment. Hopefully he plays like the efficient SG he is known to be. *Would also like to note that he's not getting the benefit on some foul calls. ORL game he was robbed of several and-1s or fouls. Tonight he was robbed two fouls for sure. One of them he got tech'd up on and the other he made a crazy mid-range one hander that should have been an and-1.
One thing to note is that even though Martin isn't shooting the ball, the very fact he's on the floor means his guy won't double off of him. That spaces the floor for roll men and cutters.
Thank you, Q!
Martin absolutely has a positive impact on the game, but it seems to be under-appreciated since he hasn't "gone off" on the offensive end, yet.
Thanks Lip for the comprehensive report. Wish I could have been there with you. I couldn't tell for sure, but I thought I read Turiaf's lips when he was down saying he thought he broke his arm. He really slammed in the hardwood, I wouldn't be surprised if he misses some time. Injuries happen, especially to the Wolves.
One thing regarding DWill that I really liked tonight was how Love jumped off the bench in celebration after a good DWill play. It showed good leadership by Love and demonstrated that he is behind Williams when he is in there.
I know it was just a bit done by the TV network, but when the Wolves players were talking about Pekovic, was anyone else excited to hear K-Love talk about Pek being his "partner in the paint" and he "wouldn't have it any other way"? Seems like he really likes playing with Pek and he really is his partner down there. I don't know, I could very well just be getting happy over nothing. I'm glad that he enjoys having Pek down there as much as it seems like he does. Seemed pretty happy also when Pek got his contract. Pair that with Rubio and I still think Love wants to be in Minnesota for the now and future. Loved the other night against ORL when he made his game-tying three and then pumped the crowd up and acted like the Target Center was HIS home and he had just protected it.
Q12543 wrote:Lip, Williams deserved the praise you gave him. Man, if he could play like that off the bench for us on a consistent basis it would be just huge for us. And I'm not talking about James Harden-esque 6th man numbers. Just come in and provide efficient offense, solid defense, and good rebounding. He played within the system for some easy hoops early, and then finally had a nice one-on-one opportunity posting up Thabo. That's what he needs to do if he's going to play the 3: Make timely basket cuts, run the floor, and post up smaller wings when the opportunity presents itself.
I suspect Williams will get plenty of minutes on Sunday, as he's probably much better suited to defend 'Melo than pretty much anyone else we have.
