Game Report - Wolves v. Knicks

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I didn't see much of the game tonight, so I appreciate the game report and the optimism by so many of you. Maybe if I watch some of the replay, I'll be able to join in some of the optimism. But the only thing I see right now is a 5-13 record that had us just 1 1/2 games from having the most ping pong balls. And we just lost two home games to teams that are bubble playoff teams in each conference...pathetic, just pathetic.

Oh well, only about 80 days until pitchers and catcher report...

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Another LaVine tidbit from this game that caught my eye: Zach had just attacked off the dribble and got into the teeth of the defense before being fouled hard by Marshall Plumlee -- yes, another one -- at the rim. It looked like Zach had some choice words for him right after the play, probably in frustration that he couldn't get the and-one to go and it looked like it was a shot to the back or ribs. He walked to the three-point line to get ready for his impending free throw attempts and as he got to the free throw line, he looked at somebody and with a big grin he mouthed, "Damn, he's strong. Shit." And then he promptly drained both free throws. He's a likable guy I think. Towns and Wiggins are too, but it's just different with them.

[Lipoli390]

I didn't see much of the game tonight, so I appreciate the game report and the optimism by so many of you. Maybe if I watch some of the replay, I'll be able to join in some of the optimism. But the only thing I see right now is a 5-13 record that had us just 1 1/2 games from having the most ping pong balls. And we just lost two home games to teams that are bubble playoff teams in each conference...pathetic, just pathetic.

Oh well, only about 80 days until pitchers and catcher report...

No doubt pathetic is absolutely the right word to describe this team's performance thus far. And while a playoff birth is still possible, it will be tough for this team to climb the hill necessary to get there. However, I did leave tonight's game with a positive vibe about the team that I haven't had previously this season. I'll leave a win feeling good, but that feeling can be misleading. What's interesting is that I left with a really positive feeling tonight after a tough loss. I know I'm way out of a speculative limb here, but I did get the sense tonight that the guys - especially KAT, Ricky and Zach - are starting to adjust to Thibs. That's key. If they can adjust and internalize his intensity, then we should start to see things turn around. Now they could get blown out in NY on Friday and I'll just have to acknowledge that my sensibilities tonight were unfounded. But it will be interesting to see how things go. A couple 4 game winning streaks separated by a couple losses (8-2) would get us back in the playoff hunt. I think this team has the ability to do that and I can see that happening in December.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Regarding the positive comments about Gorgui, it was his strong offensive rebound and accurate pass that allowed Zach to hit the big 3. And I agree with the positive comments about Zach's demeanor. He obviously has a lot of fun on the court, but his enjoyment of the moment doesn't detract at all from his intensity. His defense still makes me tear my hair out at times, but his personality makes him a very enjoyable guy to watch and cheer for. I also got a kick out of that Plumlee exchange...all the interesting facets of Zach's personality were on display during that exchange.

But 5-13...smh

[Lipoli390]

Cam -- We noticed his choice words for Plumlee as well, but didn't see his comment at the free throw line. He is fun to watch and really seems a good personality match for KAT.

[Lipoli390]

Regarding the positive comments about Gorgui, it was his strong offensive rebound and accurate pass that allowed Zach to hit the big 3. And I agree with the positive comments about Zach's demeanor. He obviously has a lot of fun on the court, but his enjoyment of the moment doesn't detract at all from his intensity. His defense still makes me tear my hair out at times, but his personality makes him a very enjoyable guy to watch and cheer for. I also got a kick out of that Plumlee exchange...all the interesting facets of Zach's personality were on display during that exchange.

But 5-13...smh

Yes, Zach's defensive lapses can drive you nuts, but those lapses are generally mental mistakes where he makes an ill-advised steal attempt or fails to get down into a good defensive posture. He shows both the physical tools and the intensity/desire to play good defense. And overall I think he's looked really good defensively under my eye test. Remember that even Thibs praised his defense after prior game and mentioned that Zach has the potential to be a very good defender. I think some observations of his defense this season have been distorted a bit by his defensive struggles the past two seasons.

[Monster]

Thibs talks about making progress every day. The Wolves as a whole seemed to make progress in this game. We will see what they bring Friday.

[Mstermisty [enjin:6864008]]

Possibly something to build on. I'm not going to hold my breath though.

The main positive was Kat playing like a center. We don't need 47 points every night, but we do need him in the paint. He got there tonight.

One other observation: the Wiggins long 2's at the end of the game were just atrocious mind-blowingly stupid wtf are you doing! shots to take. Especially early in the clock. There is a great basketball player somewhere inside Wiggins but it's not going to happen for him until he starts thinking the game on a higher level. On the other hand the one on one defense he played against Mello on the last play was commendable. He learned from the game where Butler got him to jump early. Gotta credit Mello he made a helluva shot.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I'm with LST, I'm about as down as ever on this team. I get that they made a valiant comeback and exhibited some nice esprit de corps, but that NYK team is mediocre at best....and they were without Noah....and they lost their starting SG.....and we were at home. We just shouldn't lose games like this.

Two depressing home losses in a row on what should have been winnable games is inexcusable. Moral victories be damned. We're digging a huge hole that won't be overcome by another late season surge. And we've seen how illusory late season surges are!

[kurrdog53 [enjin:7013678]]

I am like most of you on this board and came away excited about a lot of things from last night's game, despite being another loss to an average team. KAT totally broke out of his slump and did not give into his emotions EVEN ONCE. He stayed in check and engaged on nearly every possession offensively and defensively. If we can get KAT that focused every night and get the Wiggins we saw in the first 10 games, we will win games. Zach has been very good and has so much more room for growth. We need to have a stretch where we win 4 of 5 or something and get the swagger back.