CoolBreeze's 2 Thngs I Didn't Like Tonight Plus 1

[AbeVigodaLive]

Just a thought on the seemingly high minutes for the starters...

Players want to know their roles. Many thrive with continuity and consistency. Did Adelman substitute at normal times? Did he do anything drastically different than he has done in the previous 6 games?

Because when weighing the pros and cons... maybe he felt staying firm to a rotation and keeping things the same for the players... will keep them playing well.



[Note: Remember, it's the NBA. More run does not automatically mean the fringe rotation players will improve. Plus, the Wolves play in the same arena tonight, before heading home. The next back-to-back isn't until the end of the week. Then, we run into several back-to-backs in a roll. I think "unnecessary" heavy minutes in one of those contests would be more cause for alarm.]

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

No one played more than 38 minutes, and Martin only played 33 minutes. I think Adelman wanted to make 1,000% sure that we won this game handily. They probably have less travel demands than a back-to-back set of home games since their hotel is probably really close to the arena.

That first quarter was a thing of beauty. Martin and Love have been opening games with emphatic authority.

It was nice to see Rubio finally knock down some shots. He was sloppy with the basketball at times, but there is no question his energy and production took over after Martin and Love's opening dominance.

We need Pek to step up. It appears that he is gradually getting himself into form, but 40% shooting for a guy who only takes shots from 8 feet and in is simply unacceptable. He's also turning the ball over too much, with some of the 3-second calls and offensive fouls that were all too common when he was a rookie.

[Coolbreeze44]

Abe, I think he did break from his normal pattern tonight. The starters all had very short rest in the first half causing them all to play over 20 minutes. That's insane. The only reason it worked out in the end is that we had a spurt at the beginning of the 4th quarter. If not for that, we would have seen guys playing 40+ minutes to make sure we got this win.

[TravisT [enjin:6669699]]

I know the general theory on Pek is that he's still trying to get into game shape, which most likely is the case. But, sometimes I wonder if he's playing a little softer or less physical. With the new contract and the clauses that surely include games played, I feel he may have dialed down the toughness factor somewhat. Not to mention the media asking him questions regarding his past health issues during the press conference announcing his new contract so it might be something that's in his mind. Either way, glad to see him play better, but still not where we need him to be.

[bleedspeed]

People have to understand he went from 1st option to 3rd option this year. He will start to make more shots as the season rolls on.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I know the general theory on Pek is that he's still trying to get into game shape, which most likely is the case. But, sometimes I wonder if he's playing a little softer or less physical. With the new contract and the clauses that surely include games played, I feel he may have dialed down the toughness factor somewhat. Not to mention the media asking him questions regarding his past health issues during the press conference announcing his new contract so it might be something that's in his mind. Either way, glad to see him play better, but still not where we need him to be.

Pek has never been physical in a thuggish way, meaning giving hard fouls or sending "messages" to opposing teams. He's a very physical player due to his sheer strength and willingness to body up guys down low. I haven't seen that change a bit. What's changed is that he is having a horrible time finishing shots. And the ones he does make are typically uncontested layups. He rarely makes the little right-handed half hook that is his bread and butter move when a guy is on him.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

People have to understand he went from 1st option to 3rd option this year. He will start to make more shots as the season rolls on.

All the more reason he should be more efficient! He no longer has to carry such a big load with the focus of the defense on Love and Martin. He has simply mis-fired or mis-handled a lot of easy opportunities. Adelman is trying to do everything possible to spoon feed him good shots. Hopefully he'll get his act together because we need him to punish teams inside.

[60WinTim]

In his post-game conference when asked about the rotations, Adelman said the team is still trying to figure out "who they are" (which is what Abe was referring to up above).

It was nearly a 7-man rotation. D-Will looks to be out. Turiaf and Bud will give Adelman a 9-man rotation.

[bleedspeed]

People have to understand he went from 1st option to 3rd option this year. He will start to make more shots as the season rolls on.

All the more reason he should be more efficient! He no longer has to carry such a big load with the focus of the defense on Love and Martin. He has simply mis-fired or mis-handled a lot of easy opportunities. Adelman is trying to do everything possible to spoon feed him good shots. Hopefully he'll get his act together because we need him to punish teams inside.

I understand, but it can also be extra pressure on him. He is not as sure when it is coming and he is trying to hard to convert and is never getting comfortable. It will come.

[bleedspeed]

In his post-game conference when asked about the rotations, Adelman said the team is still trying to figure out "who they are" (which is what Abe was referring to up above).

It was nearly a 7-man rotation. D-Will looks to be out. Turiaf and Bud will give Adelman a 9-man rotation.

I hope so. I hope we can get 40+ games of those 9 together.