Game Report

[TAFKASP]

I'm extremely worried about Wiggins.

Don't do it, Cam. Don't you dare do it.

Odd, suddenly I crave onion rings.

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm extremely worried about Wiggins.

I'm not. His outside shot needs to improve quite a bit, but he will be great.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I've already raved about CJ last night...who would have thought he would outplay Wiggins so badly? But the discussion has never been, and will never be, McCollum vs. Wig...it will always be McCollum vs. Bazz/Gorgui.

And even though CJ was the second best player on the winning team last night, I think it was close between him and Bazz/G. Minutes were fairly even (our guys played a combined 2 minutes more than CJ) so comparing production is fair. CJ scored 18 points on 18 shots, Bazz/G scored 21 on 15 shots (much more efficient). CJ had 6 rebounds and 4 assists, our pair had 9 rebounds and 1 assist. Finally, CJ had 4 TO's to none for our guys. So while Bazz/G won the offensive battle, I give the nod to CJ last night in a close call because of the way he defended Wig and the fact that Portland won.

This discussion is not over, and will be a talker for a long time

Don't know if it's quite that easy. McCollum is being asked to be the #2 guy on Portland. PLUS, be Lillard's backup when he needs a rest. Just extrapolating stats doesn't do on-court responsibilities and context any favors.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm extremely worried about Wiggins.

I'm not. His outside shot needs to improve quite a bit, but he will be great.

He's taking the outside shot far too often regardless of make or miss. That's the problem. What good is a 6'9 wing with length and elite athleticism if he isn't going to attack the rim consistently? Wiggins settles often and you'd think him seeing his jumper not fall would make him realize that he has to attack more. It's irritating, honestly. Waste of his tremendous gifts when he takes that 18-footer, especially if it's a turnaround or step-back.

[Brooklyn_Wolves [enjin:14608167]]

I'm extremely worried about Wiggins.

I'm not. His outside shot needs to improve quite a bit, but he will be great.

He's taking the outside shot far too often regardless of make or miss. That's the problem. What good is a 6'9 wing with length and elite athleticism if he isn't going to attack the rim consistently? Wiggins settles often and you'd think him seeing his jumper not fall would make him realize that he has to attack more. It's irritating, honestly. Waste of his tremendous gifts when he takes that 18-footer, especially if it's a turnaround or step-back.

Wiggins needs to attack the rim like crazy. His combo of length and athleticism is too much for the opponents. It put him on the line a ton last season. He doesn't do it this year for some reason. Maybe it's his health, maybe it's Flip's coaching vs Sam's coaching.

[Brooklyn_Wolves [enjin:14608167]]

I can't be the only one who'd super impressed by KAT's shot blocking instincts. His 3 blocks on Lillard were crazy. His technique is very different from Dieng's who just can't pull the stuff that KAT can.

[TAFKASP]

Maybe it's his health, maybe it's Flip's coaching vs Sam's coaching.

If his back is ailing then its going to be far less painful/uncomfortable to take jumper than banging around at this rim. I'm just wondering, the fact they're playing him through the injury suggests they think it will still heal, what exactly is the issue, and how did it happen? Would they not be better to let him heal rather than playing with the issue, would that not shorten the time until the real Wiggins is back?

[Brooklyn_Wolves [enjin:14608167]]

Maybe it's his health, maybe it's Flip's coaching vs Sam's coaching.

If his back is ailing then its going to be far less painful/uncomfortable to take jumper than banging around at this rim. I'm just wondering, the fact they're playing him through the injury suggests they think it will still heal, what exactly is the issue, and how did it happen? Would they not be better to let him heal rather than playing with the issue, would that not shorten the time until the real Wiggins is back?

The thing is I like the idea of Wiggins sitting out if he's indeed hurting.
It would force minutes for LaVine at SG and Miller at PG, it also would give more minutes for Bazz. With added minuted LaVine and Bazz would get it going more, having Miller run point would help it too. So when Wiggins gets healthy he just kicks out Prince out of the rotation minutes and we are a better team afterwards.
And it's not like Wiggins is holding our team together right now.

[thedoper]

Wiggins is already the best wing defender the Wolves have ever had on their team. Worst case scenario he is a lock down wing defender with some offense. I think he is already so much more. His shots will start falling. I can't see how he doesn't become Jimmy Butler / Paul George / Kawai Leonard type player.

[Monster]

We have too much overreaction by some on this board. I am giving the team a pass last night given all the emotions at play. Mistakes are a great learning tool. The team has two days to prepare for Miami. They will be fine.

Not much went our way in crunch time last night. Let's say just one or two things did go our way and we won by a point or two. We would all be feeling great today with how the team fought through an emotional night and still got the win. It seems a bit overboard to do a complete 180 just because the scoreboard didn't end in our favor.

There are so many positive things going on with this team. Rubio has been terrific. KAT has been dynamite. We have a lot of guys that can score. Our defense looks like it should be a strength, or at least not a weakness. It sure seems like we will be a team that wins more than it loses. So enjoy the process we have to go through to get there.

I am with you Tim except the more wins than loses angle. This does look like an NBA team that can compete most nights and has the talent on the roster to legitimately be excited about.