Mnwild1128 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2026 7:55 am
The whole "you cannot expect us to win with guys out" mantra is tiresome in regular season play. Playoffs? Sure! 100%! Weird stuff happens in regular season games all the time. Teams being tired. Back to backs. Rough shooting nights. Not bringing quite the same effort as the other team. Foul trouble. We had every right to win the game last night. And should have. We lost due to:
Balls defensive Low IQ leading to foul trouble and not playing like an almost all-star level player on offense. Which he hasn't yet all season.
Jadens early foul trouble
Poor reffing
Leaving their best 3 pt shooter wide open i saw at least 3 times in Julian.
We have gone into games like this undermanned before and won against elite teams. Also have done it several times in playoff games.
I am holding THIS team/roster to the highest of standards cause it feels like this as a mostly fully healthy rostered season is a 54-58 win team.
5 games in 7 days. New roster still adjusting at the beginning of the season. Lost their best player in the middle of this stretch, and was without their best defender against an early favorite NBA finals contender. Played them close with Wemby having his best game of the year. Team is alright.
In addition to Joan only having 1 defensive rebound, his backup, Lyles, had zero.
The lack of depth in the front court is screaming at TC...
Jaden had a wide open 3 in the corner midway thru the 4th quarter. He missed, and the Spurs went on a spurt. That could have been a huge momentum swing.
Oh well. I think this team is showing that they will be fine and play .500+ ball while ANT recovers. We have a lots of player growth and chemistry building to enjoy over that stretch.
And how in the heck is Finch going to keep Clark out of the rotation?!?
AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2026 3:39 am
- Joan was low key brilliant, relative to the task at hand and expectations. It's absolutely mind boggling how well this kid is fitting in and growing his game on the fly, all while he has absolutely no idea what he's doing out there. He's all instinct and yet hangs with a top 3 player in the world all game.
- Ball's poor game had nothing to do with a lack of seriousness, but that doesn't mean it isn't concerning. The whistle wasn't great for the Wolves this game and him in particular, but there is no arguing that he isn't competing at a high level. Full effort on defense, fighting for rebounds, and even diving out of bounds to keep a possession alive. He needs to be more than just gritty if this team is going to stay afloat during Ant's extended absence, but I don't have any doubt that he is here to win. That said, he's way too deferential right now on offense, the fouling HAS GOT to get under control, and I'm growing more concerned about his handle- especially with how he handles physicality with the ball in his hands. That over and back with Fox on him at the timeline was horrendous. I don't mind the pull up 3s that much, but he needs better discernment, and needs to generate penetration in the lane more often and get the offense initiated.
On Joan, I thought he gave a valiant effort, but "brilliant" might be a bit strong. He had 1 defensive rebound in 34 minutes. I thought he battled and competed his ass off for sure though. Also, he has some idea of what he's doing out there. This is his third year playing professionally and he was in a French club program prior to going professional. He's had really good coaching.
On Ball, I use the term "serious" fairly broadly as it applies to him. He's absolutely trying his best out there. I guess what annoys me is some of the recklessness with which he plays. The unforced turnovers, getting caught in the air without a plan, going to the basket without using a guide hand, one-footed 3-pointers, bad fouls, etc., etc. To me some of that falls in the "not serious" category.
I think there is room for some flash and pinache in the NBA. It's entertaining and pumps up team mates and fans alike. So I'm not suggesting he goes Mike Conley on us! But he needs to tighten things up. Hopefully that happens as the season goes on.
Yes, I'm talking a bit in extremes about Joan . He does know what he's doing out there, more and more each game. I did couch the brilliance in expectations and situation. Given the experience he has, the rawness he has, and the fact he was playing as a replacement starter; it would have been reasonable for him to get completely wiped last night. Instead he battled all night and literally won several reps against both Wemby and Kornet. You're right about the defensive rebounds and I hadn't checked that before posting.
That's a really informative response about Ball, thanks. You didn't say anything I disagree with, except that the 1 legged jumper is just how he learned to shoot the three. He's literally given interviews about it and stating that he started shooting like that as a kid and it just felt comfortable
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2026 8:35 am
In addition to Joan only having 1 defensive rebound, his backup, Lyles, had zero.
The lack of depth in the front court is screaming at TC...
Jaden had a wide open 3 in the corner midway thru the 4th quarter. He missed, and the Spurs went on a spurt. That could have been a huge momentum swing.
Oh well. I think this team is showing that they will be fine and play .500+ ball while ANT recovers. We have a lots of player growth and chemistry building to enjoy over that stretch.
And how in the heck is Finch going to keep Clark out of the rotation?!?
That is still my concern with this being a championship team or not. Plus if Rudys back flares up at the wrong time, he gets to being a just avg player. I think over the years he's played a lot with a back ailing him and it's quite noticeable to me when he has spring in his getty up or not.
If Joan can learn the be just OKish at defensive boards, I think he will be a good backup. His offensive boards are seemingly above avg, he just doesn't know how to defensive rebound.
I really wanted Brooks was it two offseasons ago, I wonder if the Clips would trade him. Has he fallen off yet?
All in all a pretty good game. Tons of fight from this Wolves team down its 2 most important players and Ball was the worst Wolves player that played tonight. The upside is Ball is playing with plenty of effort.
I believe in Ball long term assuming he stays healthy but at times I think he is forcing the issue way too much. The Wolves were doing pretty well in this game moving the ball around getting looks. Ball is a talented player and Finch tends to figure out how to get talented guards to balance their scoring and playmaking. It's gonna come.
Clark is earning minutes with his play.
Overall this was a pretty encouraging game even though I know people aren't usually too excited about feeling good in any loss.
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2026 8:35 am
In addition to Joan only having 1 defensive rebound, his backup, Lyles, had zero.
The lack of depth in the front court is screaming at TC...
Jaden had a wide open 3 in the corner midway thru the 4th quarter. He missed, and the Spurs went on a spurt. That could have been a huge momentum swing.
Oh well. I think this team is showing that they will be fine and play .500+ ball while ANT recovers. We have a lots of player growth and chemistry building to enjoy over that stretch.
And how in the heck is Finch going to keep Clark out of the rotation?!?
Yikes, didn’t see the game and didn’t know until now that Lyles had no rebounds…he’s out there to cover for Joan, and no boards is unacceptable. Nice test for Joan starting against Vic, but the one defensive rebound in 30+ minutes tells us all we need to know about his readiness. Lip quoted KG as saying rebounding is all about effort and wanting it, but we all know KG isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. Maybe offensive rebounding is about that, but technique and strength are more important in defensive rebounding. Joan is a terrific offensive rebounder, but he’s a work in process on the defensive boards…we can’t expect to compete on the boards with Rudy out.
Without watching this game, I’m willing to give us a pass on this loss. 5 games in 7 days and missing 2 future HOFers…keeping it within 10 is a moral victory IMO.
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2026 8:35 am
In addition to Joan only having 1 defensive rebound, his backup, Lyles, had zero.
The lack of depth in the front court is screaming at TC...
Jaden had a wide open 3 in the corner midway thru the 4th quarter. He missed, and the Spurs went on a spurt. That could have been a huge momentum swing.
Oh well. I think this team is showing that they will be fine and play .500+ ball while ANT recovers. We have a lots of player growth and chemistry building to enjoy over that stretch.
And how in the heck is Finch going to keep Clark out of the rotation?!?
Yikes, didn’t see the game and didn’t know until now that Lyles had no rebounds…he’s out there to cover for Joan, and no boards is unacceptable. Nice test for Joan starting against Vic, but the one defensive rebound in 30+ minutes tells us all we need to know about his readiness. Lip quoted KG as saying rebounding is all about effort and wanting it, but we all know KG isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. Maybe offensive rebounding is about that, but technique and strength are more important in defensive rebounding. Joan is a terrific offensive rebounder, but he’s a work in process on the defensive boards…we can’t expect to compete on the boards with Rudy out.
Without watching this game, I’m willing to give us a pass on this loss. 5 games in 7 days and missing 2 future HOFers…keeping it within 10 is a moral victory IMO.
Not to mention covering the spread for your bet! Or were you just jesting?!?
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2026 8:35 am
In addition to Joan only having 1 defensive rebound, his backup, Lyles, had zero.
The lack of depth in the front court is screaming at TC...
Jaden had a wide open 3 in the corner midway thru the 4th quarter. He missed, and the Spurs went on a spurt. That could have been a huge momentum swing.
Oh well. I think this team is showing that they will be fine and play .500+ ball while ANT recovers. We have a lots of player growth and chemistry building to enjoy over that stretch.
And how in the heck is Finch going to keep Clark out of the rotation?!?
He did have some tip outs that lead to other getting rebounds and fast breaks, but yeah he will need to really work on the defensive rebounds. Rudy didn't particularly do well on the defensive glass in our playoff series against San Antonio grabbing 2, 2, and 4 in our last three losses.
An important note isn't the differential at the end, but that the game was competitive throughout. Vic hit a dagger three around the minute 30 mark I think and it was good nights, but up to that point they were in it. It also became pretty obvious how exhausted these guys were.
I really hate making excuses and caveats for a loss, but these one are probably as earned as any you'll see.
More on Ball: I'm noticing that guys are still getting used to the ridiculous angles on some of his passes, both where they're coming from and how they're getting there. You just don't play with a lot of guys who can and will make those passes.
The first three games eased the concern that this team would need an extended acclimation period, but Ant was what helped provides a buffer to that because his and Ball's games are such seamless fits. Without a go to scorer, they have some figuring out to do. Hopefully with a bit a rest they can keep working to get there
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2026 8:35 am
In addition to Joan only having 1 defensive rebound, his backup, Lyles, had zero.
The lack of depth in the front court is screaming at TC...
Jaden had a wide open 3 in the corner midway thru the 4th quarter. He missed, and the Spurs went on a spurt. That could have been a huge momentum swing.
Oh well. I think this team is showing that they will be fine and play .500+ ball while ANT recovers. We have a lots of player growth and chemistry building to enjoy over that stretch.
And how in the heck is Finch going to keep Clark out of the rotation?!?
Yikes, didn’t see the game and didn’t know until now that Lyles had no rebounds…he’s out there to cover for Joan, and no boards is unacceptable. Nice test for Joan starting against Vic, but the one defensive rebound in 30+ minutes tells us all we need to know about his readiness. Lip quoted KG as saying rebounding is all about effort and wanting it, but we all know KG isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. Maybe offensive rebounding is about that, but technique and strength are more important in defensive rebounding. Joan is a terrific offensive rebounder, but he’s a work in process on the defensive boards…we can’t expect to compete on the boards with Rudy out.
Without watching this game, I’m willing to give us a pass on this loss. 5 games in 7 days and missing 2 future HOFers…keeping it within 10 is a moral victory IMO.
The rebounding numbers for Lyles and Joan don't tell the whole story. There were many balls the Wolves kept alive out there tipped around and Joan definitely had more than a couple of those. Just to compare Wemby only had 7 rebounds. Kornet was the only big for either team to have more than 7 rebounds with 8 off the bench. Ayo had 9 rebounds to leed both teams in that category. I didn't hear anyone complain about Jaden playing 39 minutes and only having 3 rebounds. It was a category the Wolves lost but the effort was there.
. He does know what he's doing out there, more and more each game. I did couch the brilliance in expectations and situation. Given the experience he has, the rawness he has, and the fact he was playing as a replacement starter; it would have been reasonable for him to get completely wiped last night. Instead he battled all night and literally won several reps against both Wemby and Kornet. You're right about the defensive rebounds and I hadn't checked that before posting.
