Wolves v. Heat Game Report

[Lipoli390]

OK guys. I know I’ve been pretty elusive lately. Tonight was the first game I’ve been to this season. I’ve been busy with work but mostly it’s the fact that I have a bad back that’s turned really bad, causing sciatica and making it difficult to get to games. I’ll probably be getting back surgery soon so let me know if any of you guys know a good back surgeon in Minnesota.

I couldn’t have picked a worse first game to attend this season. Watching the game live was almost as painful as my back. It was an embarrassment. It’s the worst game I’ve even seen from Ant and the worst coaching performance I’ve ever witnessed from Finch. The only bright spots for the Wolves were NAW, Naz and Rudy. It was also nice not seeing Moore, Miller and Clark channeling Wes Johnson on the bench. Otherwise, this game was miserable. Ant, Conley and Randle were horrendous. Jaden played some nice defense, but just didn’t do enough and then committed that really dumb three-point foul when he didn’t give the shooter space to land. The crowed complained, but the call was the right one. It was just a really stupid mistake by a player who just can’t keep himself from committing dumb fouls after four NBA seasons. No exuses any more for Jaden. I’d like to view this as just one game. In fact, Ant and Randle have had some terrific games so far this season. But there were some particularly troublesome things in the horrendous performances of these three that I’ve noticed in prior games this season or in past seasons.

1. Conley: What I saw first-hand from Conley tonight was a continuation of what I’ve seen from Conley in all the prior games so far this season. He looks like he’s lost a step and just isn’t the player he was last season. I remember several years ago looking back at the careers of some of the NBA’s best players over time to see at what age they begin to significantly decline. What I learned is that all players experience that decline sometime in their 30s, some earlier than others. But the most interesting thing I noticed is that the decline isn’t gradual or linear. It tends to happen pretty suddenly in one season when the player’s numbers fall off precipitously and never come back. Bottom line is that Donte and NAW will get plenty of playing time and we’re probably going to see Dilly get some serious minutes sometime later this season. I think we’re seeing the beginning of the end of Mike Conley as we came to know him last season. I just don’t think there’s much left in his tank.

2. Edwards: Yes, he’s a great player. But unlike the superstars like MJ, LeBron, Dwayne Wade, Steph Curry, Kobe, Jokic and others we’ve seen over the years, Edwards costs his team games through multiple bone-headed plays. The true greats don’t let their teams down mentally with abject stupidity. I’m writing as a big Edwards fans who loves his talent and his personality. I also love his toughness. But he has to stop being repeatedly stupid. I can’t think of any other way to put it.

3. Randle: I like Julius Randle. But he can really impede the offensive flow, gets his shot blocked too easily and turns the ball over way too often. These are things we’ve seen from him this season before tonight’s game even though he’s played really well in my opinion; they are also tendencies my Knicks fan friend warned me about.

Regarding Finch, I don’t know where to start. I’ll simply mention player personnel decisions. Among the many things that cost us a game we should have won, perhaps the biggest was the lineup Finch went with down the stretch in in the 4th quarter. I’m not sure how much you noticed watching the broadcast, but Donte was terrific in the 2nd half. He was everywhere, getting open for shots, getting to loose balls that his teammates weren’t chasing and eventually hitting his threes. His presence on the court changed the energy and effectiveness of the team. He absolutely should have been in the game down the stretch instead of Conley and Naz should have been in there instead of Randle. And I’m getting tired of the tight 8-man rotation early in the season. Let’s’ see some more Minott, Dilly and maybe even Garza.

Rudy made a boneheaded pass that led to Ant’s boneheaded clear path foul, but otherwise I thought Rudy was terrific tonight. NAW was fantastic. Donte was also great and Naz was very good. Otherwise, the team looked like it’s not ready for prime time.

I haven’t looked at the grades thread yet, but my grades are as follows:

NAW A
Donte A-
Rudy B+
Jaden C
Randle: D
Edwards D-
Finch: F
Conley: F

[Q-is-here]

Thanks for the game report Lip and it's great to hear from you! I am very sorry about your back - that sounds terrible and I really hope you can find relief.

I could only watch a little of this game, but what I noticed was just how hard Miami plays. The Pat Riley/Eric Spoelstra duo has instituted such a gritty, hard working culture. They just haven't been able to stack up enough talent on their roster and Butler is hurt all the time.

If we flame out early in the playoffs this year I predict that we will move on from Chris Finch. He's overall been an excellent head coach, but a new voice may be needed.

[FNG]

Yeah, good luck with that back, Lip...hope you find some relief.

And yes, definitely noticed what Donte brought last night. I'm guessing he's even easier to appreciate live, but his energy comes through loud and clear on the TV too.

I share your opinion that Ant falls far short of the true superstars. He's our best and most important player, but he doesn't give us what the best player on other contenders brings them. I'm expecting Q to weigh in with his "first 10 games" stats today, and I'll reply to his post with some discouraging data about Ant relative to other "stars".

[kekgeek]

Hope your back heals lip. I’ve had back issues since a high school injury and my issues are not too your extent but when the spasms flare up for me time to time it’s crazy how helpless you feel. I wish you the best in your recovery, hopefully you can make a few games this year and let me know if you need anything

[Lipoli390]

Hope your back heals lip. I’ve had back issues since a high school injury and my issues are not too your extent but when the spasms flare up for me time to time it’s crazy how helpless you feel. I wish you the best in your recovery, hopefully you can make a few games this year and let me know if you need anything

Thanks Kek!

[rapsuperstar31]

Good to see your report lip, I hope that back heals up or at least feels better soon. Your game reports are always great to read.

[rapsuperstar31]

Yeah, good luck with that back, Lip...hope you find some relief.

And yes, definitely noticed what Donte brought last night. I'm guessing he's even easier to appreciate live, but his energy comes through loud and clear on the TV too.

I share your opinion that Ant falls far short of the true superstars. He's our best and most important player, but he doesn't give us what the best player on other contenders brings them. I'm expecting Q to weigh in with his "first 10 games" stats today, and I'll reply to his post with some discouraging data about Ant relative to other "stars".

I think we have to remember how far Ant has come since college and his rookie season. Ant looked like a bust his first 3 months in the league with low shooting percentages and mistakes. He was very raw his first year, and worked hard on his game. He has come a long way with his shooting, better shot selection this season minus yesterday against Miami and better passing. Even with his improvements his ball security is his biggest thing he needs to fix. That and his 4th quarters although he's been better this year in the 4th. He has solid handles, but for some reason he almost has a lazy dribble that looks like it should be stolen more than it ends up being. Relative to other stars by the way did you see Doncic launch up a terrible logo 3 with 1:16 to go yesterday in a game they are up 2 and would go on to lose? Clanks it terribly, just a horrible shot that sadly he loves to make against the Wolves. Jokic did nothing to stop our 10-0 or so run when we Beat Denver earlier in the season.