Rudy earns 4th DPOY

[FNG]

Just when I come out supporting the "Lip was right" thread, he and Q bail on me!

A lot of talk on NBA Radio today about DPOY. Kamla doesn't necessarily disagree with Rudy winning it, but he was surprised that the voting was such a landslide. AD (as I mentioned somewhere else in this forum) values perimeter defense over rim protection in the current "pace and space" NBA, and of course he used Game 2 as an example of the relative importance of perimeter defense over rim protection. A counter argument might be that Rudy has actually looked quite good this season in space out on the perimeter.

One of the reasons I'm happy about Rudy winning DPOY is he doesn't always get a fair shake publicly. He was voted "most overrated" this year by the players, and the media don't always treat him kindly either. That said, Game 3 Friday is going to be a very important game for Rudy's reputation and legacy. After our dominating performance in Game 2, the Rudy detractors are going to be all over him if the Wolves don't perform well upon his return. Some of that might be fair actually, but there also may be other factors that cause us to not play as well Friday (overconfidence, Nugget desperation, etc.). Let's hope for a good game for Rudy Friday and another win.

[Wolvesfan21]

Just when I come out supporting the "Lip was right" thread, he and Q bail on me!

A lot of talk on NBA Radio today about DPOY. Kamla doesn't necessarily disagree with Rudy winning it, but he was surprised that the voting was such a landslide. AD (as I mentioned somewhere else in this forum) values perimeter defense over rim protection in the current "pace and space" NBA, and of course he used Game 2 as an example of the relative importance of perimeter defense over rim protection. A counter argument might be that Rudy has actually looked quite good this season in space out on the perimeter.

One of the reasons I'm happy about Rudy winning DPOY is he doesn't always get a fair shake publicly. He was voted "most overrated" this year by the players, and the media don't always treat him kindly either. That said, Game 3 Friday is going to be a very important game for Rudy's reputation and legacy. After our dominating performance in Game 2, the Rudy detractors are going to be all over him if the Wolves don't perform well upon his return. Some of that might be fair actually, but there also may be other factors that cause us to not play as well Friday (overconfidence, Nugget desperation, etc.). Let's hope for a good game for Rudy Friday and another win.

I hear what you are saying but I can't just take a one game sample and make big judgements off of it. The Wolves played spectacular defense no doubt, but I think in part because they knew they had to step up even more with Rudy out. Everyone was playing with incredible effort and tenacity. Plus the refs were letting things go more then normal in the first half at least. They started tightening up a bit in the second half I think. It seemed anyways (I don't have the stats it just seemed like we started getting more calls).

I think if you look at the long term numbers they will say something a bit different (Rudy On/Off). Now this postseason you do have to credit KAT and Naz I think too though as the drop off has been seemingly smaller for sure, but again that is recent and a smaller sample. So lets not just see Rudy come back strong. I want to see the entire team play with that extra burst and tenacity with Rudy in the lineup as well. Every defender in important on defense. Sort of don't love the individual awards in that way.

[Q-is-here]

Personally I think beating Phoenix put to be the whole Rudy can't-guard-in-space narrative. They were supposed to be the nightmare matchup for us and we swept them, with Rudy often getting switched onto Durant and very much holding his own.

I think there is some stat out there that says Rudy is one of the best isolation perimeter defenders in the playoffs so far, which is just further evidence that the infamous Clippers/Utah series was not Rudy's fault (and no one EVER mentions the fact that Terance Mann had a ridiculously lucky shooting performance).

And finally FNG, I have not completely dropped the "Lip was right" declaration I made early in the season, although it's certainly on life support at this point. The playoffs aren't over yet!

[FNG]

Personally I think beating Phoenix put to be the whole Rudy can't-guard-in-space narrative. They were supposed to be the nightmare matchup for us and we swept them, with Rudy often getting switched onto Durant and very much holding his own.

I think there is some stat out there that says Rudy is one of the best isolation perimeter defenders in the playoffs so far, which is just further evidence that the infamous Clippers/Utah series was not Rudy's fault (and no one EVER mentions the fact that Terance Mann had a ridiculously lucky shooting performance).

And finally FNG, I have not completely dropped the "Lip was right" declaration I made early in the season, although it's certainly on life support at this point. The playoffs aren't over yet!

I know...I'm joking a little too.

I agree that a one-game sample (in which the Wolves played out of their minds) won't tell us much about the value of Rudy. But it will be a huge talking point for the Rudy haters out there if the Wolves lose or even play poorly Friday...just watch.

[Lipoli390]

The Wolves performance in game 2 was a reminder that great defense is a team thing. Rudy’s a great defender, but it’s never been all about Rudy. As Jim Pete has said for years in response to critics of KAT’s defense, it’s impossible for a big to defend well inside when offensive players are easily slicing through the perimeter defense and into the paint. Great defense starts on the perimeter and the Wolves would not have become an elite defensive team without the growth of Ant into an elite defender, the acquisition of NAW, the continued defensive excellence of Jaden, and the high IQ defense of Conley. Those players have combined to consistently keep offensive opponents trapped out on the perimeter and on their heels with very little room to maneuver, find passing lanes or get their feet set to shoot. Meanwhile KAT has continued the defensive improvement we already saw from his two seasons ago. Naz has improved as well and benefitted from the coaching staff’s decision to play him at the PF position, which aligns far better with his defensive capabilities.

Would be as good defensive without Rudy. Absolutely not. He’s been a key to this team’s defensive prowess. But what we saw in game two gave us a great insight into why this team is so good defensively and why it’s legitimate to consider the Wolves a true title contender this year.

[Monster]

Personally I think beating Phoenix put to be the whole Rudy can't-guard-in-space narrative. They were supposed to be the nightmare matchup for us and we swept them, with Rudy often getting switched onto Durant and very much holding his own.

I think there is some stat out there that says Rudy is one of the best isolation perimeter defenders in the playoffs so far, which is just further evidence that the infamous Clippers/Utah series was not Rudy's fault (and no one EVER mentions the fact that Terance Mann had a ridiculously lucky shooting performance).

And finally FNG, I have not completely dropped the "Lip was right" declaration I made early in the season, although it's certainly on life support at this point. The playoffs aren't over yet!

Q you make an excellent point about Gobert's ability to guard individually and in space. I thought he was better at that than a lot of people but what he has done this year kinda wowed me. That's part of what makes the Wolves defense so good. You can't absolutely attach any one player too much even Conley. He is savvy enough to poke the ball away or do something. Naz Reid isn't the best defender but he can guard perimeter players and does enough playing big he isn't a liability. All the wing guys defend all over the court, Kyle Anderson can guard wings and Jokic. That's kinda insane.

My uncle texted me after game too absolutely gushing about the Wolves defense. He doesn't text me much and certainly not about the NBA so this was kinda significant. Lol

Gobert deserves the award. There are probably other players that do as well. Just because a guy isn't out there doesn't mean his usual contributions don't matter. I think Gobert's presence and all he does on that end helps guys even if he isn't there. The Wolves do have a plethora of high end defensive players and Edwards taking it up on himself to be one of those guys is just awesome to see. To some extent DPOY often is a bit of a team award as well and the Wolves are a heck of a defensive team. Rudy deserves the praise he is getting.

[Q-is-here]

Personally I think beating Phoenix put to be the whole Rudy can't-guard-in-space narrative. They were supposed to be the nightmare matchup for us and we swept them, with Rudy often getting switched onto Durant and very much holding his own.

I think there is some stat out there that says Rudy is one of the best isolation perimeter defenders in the playoffs so far, which is just further evidence that the infamous Clippers/Utah series was not Rudy's fault (and no one EVER mentions the fact that Terance Mann had a ridiculously lucky shooting performance).

And finally FNG, I have not completely dropped the "Lip was right" declaration I made early in the season, although it's certainly on life support at this point. The playoffs aren't over yet!

Q you make an excellent point about Gobert's ability to guard individually and in space. I thought he was better at that than a lot of people but what he has done this year kinda wowed me. That's part of what makes the Wolves defense so good. You can't absolutely attach any one player too much even Conley. He is savvy enough to poke the ball away or do something. Naz Reid isn't the best defender but he can guard perimeter players and does enough playing big he isn't a liability. All the wing guys defend all over the court, Kyle Anderson can guard wings and Jokic. That's kinda insane.

My uncle texted me after game too absolutely gushing about the Wolves defense. He doesn't text me much and certainly not about the NBA so this was kinda significant. Lol

Gobert deserves the award. There are probably other players that do as well. Just because a guy isn't out there doesn't mean his usual contributions don't matter. I think Gobert's presence and all he does on that end helps guys even if he isn't there. The Wolves do have a plethora of high end defensive players and Edwards taking it up on himself to be one of those guys is just awesome to see. To some extent DPOY often is a bit of a team award as well and the Wolves are a heck of a defensive team. Rudy deserves the praise he is getting.

Monster! Where ya been? Good to hear from you.

I think what's really cool is the flywheel effect of having a defensive culture. Now suddenly everyone feels a sense of duty to know their assignment and execute it to its fullest. The national media has taken notice and so on...it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy - we're great at defense because we're known for being great at defense.

That's how a Naz Reid suddenly becomes great defensively.

[Monster]

Personally I think beating Phoenix put to be the whole Rudy can't-guard-in-space narrative. They were supposed to be the nightmare matchup for us and we swept them, with Rudy often getting switched onto Durant and very much holding his own.

I think there is some stat out there that says Rudy is one of the best isolation perimeter defenders in the playoffs so far, which is just further evidence that the infamous Clippers/Utah series was not Rudy's fault (and no one EVER mentions the fact that Terance Mann had a ridiculously lucky shooting performance).

And finally FNG, I have not completely dropped the "Lip was right" declaration I made early in the season, although it's certainly on life support at this point. The playoffs aren't over yet!

Q you make an excellent point about Gobert's ability to guard individually and in space. I thought he was better at that than a lot of people but what he has done this year kinda wowed me. That's part of what makes the Wolves defense so good. You can't absolutely attach any one player too much even Conley. He is savvy enough to poke the ball away or do something. Naz Reid isn't the best defender but he can guard perimeter players and does enough playing big he isn't a liability. All the wing guys defend all over the court, Kyle Anderson can guard wings and Jokic. That's kinda insane.

My uncle texted me after game too absolutely gushing about the Wolves defense. He doesn't text me much and certainly not about the NBA so this was kinda significant. Lol

Gobert deserves the award. There are probably other players that do as well. Just because a guy isn't out there doesn't mean his usual contributions don't matter. I think Gobert's presence and all he does on that end helps guys even if he isn't there. The Wolves do have a plethora of high end defensive players and Edwards taking it up on himself to be one of those guys is just awesome to see. To some extent DPOY often is a bit of a team award as well and the Wolves are a heck of a defensive team. Rudy deserves the praise he is getting.

Monster! Where ya been? Good to hear from you.

I think what's really cool is the flywheel effect of having a defensive culture. Now suddenly everyone feels a sense of duty to know their assignment and execute it to its fullest. The national media has taken notice and so on...it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy - we're great at defense because we're known for being great at defense.

That's how a Naz Reid suddenly becomes great defensively.

I've been busy and I got behind on wolves games and I enjoyed watching them so much I was committed to watching all of them and the only way for me to do that was sort of unplug and watch them when I had a chance. I think it was Wednesday when I finished the Suns series.

Last night it looked like the wheels you talked about flew off into the ditch. I don't think so while obviously it wasn't a good defensive performance it felt more like Denver just hitting lots of shots than Wolves not defending. I'm expecting some sort of bounce back game from the Wolves Sunday.

[Q-is-here]

Q you make an excellent point about Gobert's ability to guard individually and in space. I thought he was better at that than a lot of people but what he has done this year kinda wowed me. That's part of what makes the Wolves defense so good. You can't absolutely attach any one player too much even Conley. He is savvy enough to poke the ball away or do something. Naz Reid isn't the best defender but he can guard perimeter players and does enough playing big he isn't a liability. All the wing guys defend all over the court, Kyle Anderson can guard wings and Jokic. That's kinda insane.

My uncle texted me after game too absolutely gushing about the Wolves defense. He doesn't text me much and certainly not about the NBA so this was kinda significant. Lol

Gobert deserves the award. There are probably other players that do as well. Just because a guy isn't out there doesn't mean his usual contributions don't matter. I think Gobert's presence and all he does on that end helps guys even if he isn't there. The Wolves do have a plethora of high end defensive players and Edwards taking it up on himself to be one of those guys is just awesome to see. To some extent DPOY often is a bit of a team award as well and the Wolves are a heck of a defensive team. Rudy deserves the praise he is getting.

Monster! Where ya been? Good to hear from you.

I think what's really cool is the flywheel effect of having a defensive culture. Now suddenly everyone feels a sense of duty to know their assignment and execute it to its fullest. The national media has taken notice and so on...it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy - we're great at defense because we're known for being great at defense.

That's how a Naz Reid suddenly becomes great defensively.

I've been busy and I got behind on wolves games and I enjoyed watching them so much I was committed to watching all of them and the only way for me to do that was sort of unplug and watch them when I had a chance. I think it was Wednesday when I finished the Suns series.

Last night it looked like the wheels you talked about flew off into the ditch. I don't think so while obviously it wasn't a good defensive performance it felt more like Denver just hitting lots of shots than Wolves not defending. I'm expecting some sort of bounce back game from the Wolves Sunday.

Agree Monster. Yes, we were off kilter with our intensity level, but Denver was absolutely clinical in the way they ran their stuff. Great offense still beats great defense. Our whole strategy is to sag off Aaron Gordon, yet he keeps making 3's! Murray and Jokic both hit some incredibly high degree-of-difficulty shots.

I expect the Wolves to bounce back too, but unlike Phoenix, the Nuggets got their confidence back. It could be a real dog fight the rest of the way.