Minnesota Sports Forum

Gotta like how Martin went right to Wiggins in the locker room and told him he didn't lose the game and that the team lost it in the first half. That's the leadership the team asked for.

KiwiMatt wrote:Owell atleast the All Blacks won.

Yeah, but I had the Eagles plus 69, so I think they might have covered the spread!

TheGrey08 wrote:Gotta like how Martin went right to Wiggins in the locker room and told him he didn't lose the game and that the team lost it in the first half. That's the leadership the team asked for.

It's still early, but Martin seems like a completely different guy this year. He's a weird duck, but talented, so I hope he keeps showing the leadership he is showing...and keeps asking for the ball in the 4th quarter,

Bennett was terrific. I was most impressed with his defense on Gasol throughout the second half. Played with solid anticipation and had several steals and blocks that were key. 12 points on 6-7 shooting. I wish he would have gotten in the paint more, but the jumper was falling so I can't complain too much. He was big.

Rubio had a huge game. 17 assists and he had 14 of those before the 3rd quarter was over. He managed the game beautifully. Only 6 points, but to be honest, he should have had more trips to the free throw line. Several times he got hacked on his drives and didn't get the whistle. He needs to stop selling contact on meaningless plays and I'd bet he'd be rewarded for it. Otherwise he had a great game. Still has great hands on defense. Ripped Gasol twice.

Wiggins was nice tonight. He continues to grow with each game. Two sweet step back jumpers, one block on Hinrich, a key made jumper late in the fourth as well. It was him who sparked the 3rd quarter comeback. Diving on the floor for a loose ball, tossing it to Bennett who gave it to Rubio who found Martin for a three. After that it was Wiggins and Bennett making play after play. Wiggins also was key on the Wolves last bucket. He back tapped the rebound to Williams who made the correct extra pass to Martin who cashed in the go ahead three. Loved that fight and effort from our guys on that sequence.

Speaking of Martin... He was "the guy" tonight. 33 points on I believe 18 shots. He's still a knockdown shooter. Still adept at getting to the line. Those traits will never leave him. Also, I thought he played decent defense all night long except for leaving his feet to close out on Dunleavy. That cost us three points and the lead, but he'd soon make up for it. He's a bargain for what the Wolves pay him now, will be an even bigger steal as the cap rises. Martin's a good player. I'm happy we kept him.

What a horrific game for Budinger and Brewer. My goodness.

Let's start with Chase. Air balled a three badly, let McDermott beat him backdoor, missed a wide open layup, and missed a free throw (it happens, but everything's maximized when you're fighting for minutes).

Corey. Corey Corey Corey. Not sure why he's allowed to dribble. He tried to set up Bennett for a layup early in the game and ended up throwing the ball to the camera crew. Also had a case of the fumbles. Several loose balls he had in his hands, but couldn't hold on to. Not to mention the wide open fast break bucket that would have been big for momentum. Mo hit him perfectly on the right wing and all Corey had to do was put it on the court once and take two steps and flush it. Instead coughed the ball up under the basket. Yuck. Rough way to open a season for the former Gator.

All in all, it was a great game to watch and every Wolves player learned something tonight. We should have won even with all the mistakes and missed opportunities due to Butler's travel on the last play of the game. By NBA rules, a player can fall to the floor and be legal as long as the pivot foot is kept. That did not happen. Immediately after, Wiggins makes a rookie mistake and essentially lost the game for the Wolves.

Most importantly, let's all wish Thaddeus Young a swift and complete recovery. He took a sharp elbow from Butler at the end of the first half. The impact went to his temple and caused Young to close his eyes and make his limbs go limp on the way down. It was very scary to watch and I'm glad he didn't re-enter the game. They listed him as a neck strain, but I know a concussion when I see one. I believe we have three days before our next game. I could be wrong on that, but I think that's what I heard. Let's wish Thad a speedy and full recovery.

Goodnight everyone.

Good report cam. I wonder if the NBA will sweep that missed call on Butler travelling under the rug like they normally do.

So far this season's officiating has been atrocious, not just during Wolves games. If officials arent performing they should be dropped. It happens in most other sports, but for some reason the NBA hierarchy always defend them and punishes the players and coaches for speaking out.

KiwiMatt wrote:Good report cam. I wonder if the NBA will sweep that missed call on Butler travelling under the rug like they normally do.

So far this season's officiating has been atrocious, not just during Wolves games. If officials arent performing they should be dropped. It happens in most other sports, but for some reason the NBA hierarchy always defend them and punishes the players and coaches for speaking out.

Kinda like how they missed that intentional foul by Z Bo on Pek? I can't recall ever seeing that one before.

When is it time for us to give up on Budinger?