West Conference playoff thread

[Lipoli390]

I love Vando but we are seeing all of his weaknesses tonight

Good observation, kek. I loved what he brought to this team last season, but he wasn’t the long term answer as our starting PF next to KAT.

[Lipoli390]

Of course, the important story tonight isn’t Vando, DLO or any other former T-Wolf. The story is the Golden State Warriors who dominated the Lakers tonight. It was great to see Klay Thompson look more like his pre-injury self. We saw playmaker Steph more scorer Steph tonight. He’s such an elite shooter that many tend to overlook the fact that he’s also an exceptional passer/playmaker. Bobby Knight called him the best passer in college basketball the shortly before the Warriors drafted him. BK was right and Curry’s exceptional passing has carried over into his NBA career.

Watching the Warriors play is a thing of beauty. And it’s nice to see Wiggins doing well.

[Q-is-here]

The Lakers supporting cast of misfit toys may ultimately do them in, but they stole one game from Golden State on their home court so they are going back to L.A. 1-1 and in a good spot. But yeah, if Klay gets going like he did last night, they become impossible to stop.

2009 draft - Steph Curry picked 7th
2011 draft - Klay Thompson picked 11th
2012 draft - Draymond Green picked 35th

Those three drafts in the span of four years transformed their franchise and the entire NBA. Not a single top 6 pick. The fact they were able to draft the best shooter of all time in 2009 and then get arguably the 3rd or 4th best shooter of all time in 2011 is incredible.

And don't forget that Green had a HORRIBLE rookie year as an older rookie...7.1 PER and -.4 VORP....it did not look good at first for him. Then he eventually became the fulcrum of their offense and one of the best defenders ever. Again...incredible.

[FNG]

Of course, the important story tonight isn’t Vando, DLO or any other former T-Wolf. The story is the Golden State Warriors who dominated the Lakers tonight. It was great to see Klay Thompson look more like his pre-injury self. We saw playmaker Steph more scorer Steph tonight. He’s such an elite shooter that many tend to overlook the fact that he’s also an exceptional passer/playmaker. Bobby Knight called him the best passer in college basketball the shortly before the Warriors drafted him. BK was right and Curry’s exceptional passing has carried over into his NBA career.

Watching the Warriors play is a thing of beauty. And it’s nice to see Wiggins doing well.

You're right, Lip...the story last night is the bounce back by the Warriors, not former T-Wolves. But we're Wolves fans, so what our ex-guys do (good and bad) is always a talker here. I continue to find it fascinating that Vando and DLo are mirror images of each other...one guy can't play offense, and one guy can't play defense. The end result is that the Lakers are essentially playing 4 on 5 when both of them on on the court. I always cheer for Vando because I love his heart and constant effort...but I find myself cringing often at his lack of offensive skills. And Dlo...what can you say? He had a nice offensive game last night (8 assists and no turnovers), but his defense was abominable. When he was a T-Wolf, I used to ask myself if his poor defense was because of a lack of awareness or a lack of effort. As I watched him last night, I realized the answer is both! If anyone has last night's game recorded, go back and watch the last play of the first half. Draymond beats his man and the only defender in the lane who can stop him is DLo. But rather than taking an easy offensive foul, Russell steps aside and escorts Draymond to an easy dunk...a true example of matador defense! It reminded me of a post-game locker room video of a joyous Wolves team after a very good defensive effort last season. Some Wolves coach (I think it might have been Micah Nori) yelled out "What a defensive effort tonight...even DLo almost took a charge!". Everyone laughed...even Dlo. I cried.

[FNG]

Love this from Jokic!

https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/sta ... the-win%2F

[Porckchop]

Jokic averaging 28 14 and 9. The guy is incredible.

[Lipoli390]

Booker and Durant led the Suns to a big win last night, scoring 47 and 39 respectively. If they win the nest one in Phoenix, I see the series going 7 games. That would be fun.

[Lipoli390]

Suns won again tonight and the series is tied 2-2. Durant had 36 points highly efficient points and 11 rebounds while Booker had 36 points and 12 assists. They each had 5 turnovers. I can see KAT and Edwards having similar playoff performances in the future and that’s what it takes to win.

[Q-is-here]

Suns won again tonight and the series is tied 2-2. Durant had 36 points highly efficient points and 11 rebounds while Booker had 36 points and 12 assists. They each had 5 turnovers. I can see KAT and Edwards having similar playoff performances in the future and that’s what it takes to win.

Yeah, think this one is going to 7-games. Just elite talent on display.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Suns won again tonight and the series is tied 2-2. Durant had 36 points highly efficient points and 11 rebounds while Booker had 36 points and 12 assists. They each had 5 turnovers. I can see KAT and Edwards having similar playoff performances in the future and that’s what it takes to win.

Yeah, think this one is going to 7-games. Just elite talent on display.

That 3rd quarter was one of the best displays of offensive brilliance I've ever seen. Jokic, Booker and Durant... incredible.

And after going 6 - 6... along with 3 three pointers in the 3rd... and Denver throwing everything at him... Booker was still key in the 4th while only taking one shot.

He helped get the ball moving, so Shamet had wide open looks. He had 4 assists in the 4th.

- The Nuggets shot 58% with only 2 TOs in the 2nd half.
- The Suns shot 66% with 10 three pointers in the 2nd half.

If we're learning anything, it's that the Timberwolves don't have the horses to compete with these teams. As everybody knows, it only happens if Edwards can become THE guy like we all hope he will be. Even then... he's gonna need help.


[Note: Jokic... 53 points and 11 assists. Has now shot at least 50% in 70 of 75 games. I can't help but chuckle at him shooting only 8 - 29 fg mostly vs. KAT... and not hearing ONE positive word about Towns' defense.]