Minnesota Sports Forum

The Celtics beat the Nuggets so at least there's that.

Camden wrote:

kekgeek1 wrote:Wolves season in a lot of trouble. This is flat out pathetic.

Defense is terrible

Ehh, that's a little much. This game is probably out of reach, though. The Bulls are a top tier team who's had some hot shooting. They needed a much better effort than this to beat them.

But yes, the defense has been very bad. Lack of focus. Decreased energy compared to the beginning of the year. All of which is apparent.

They haven't played defense in a month

kekgeek1 wrote:

CoolBreeze44 wrote:

kekgeek1 wrote:Wolves season in a lot of trouble. This is flat out pathetic.

Defense is terrible

The other team gets paid too Kek. Sometimes you have to give it up to them.

Its not just this game. Wolves are 24th in defense rating this last month. It has been bad and I mean really bad lately. It has been hidden because the Wolves are #2 in offense.

Defense has been pathetic lately

I don't disagree with any of that. I do think it's a bit of an exaggeration to say their season is in trouble, however. They definitely need to ask themselves some questions and search for accountability.

Yeah, we're not beating the Bulls when DeMar DeRozan is shooting like this. The guy hasn't missed.

Not to mention, Cobi White and Javonte Green are a combined 18-25 and 9-14 from 3P. Unreal.

Demar

The Wolves got outplayed by the better team. Chicago got hot shooting nights from damn near everyone that checked into the game. DeMar DeRozan played like the legitimate MVP candidate that he is. Minnesota didn't do themselves any favors with their defensive effort, but guys don't typically make shots with this kind of efficiency even on wide open looks. Looking forward to a much better performance against a bad Indiana team on Sunday.

Camden wrote:The Wolves got outplayed by the better team. Chicago got hot shooting nights from damn near everyone that checked into the game. DeMar DeRozan played like the legitimate MVP candidate that he is. Minnesota didn't do themselves any favors with their defensive effort, but guys don't typically make shots with this kind of efficiency even on wide open looks. Looking forward to a much better performance against a bad Indiana team on Sunday.

I don't disagree with anything in your post, Cam. The Bulls are one of the best teams in the League, perhaps the best in the Eastern Conference, and they were at full strength and firing on all cylinders tonight. So yes, the Wolves were outplayed by the better team. However, the Wolves defense has been statistically poor for the past month. And givIng up over 130 points to the Bulls is one thing, but the Wolves gave up over 130 points two nights ago to a lottery team. I'm not ready to panic. And as you wrote in your other post, the Wolves need to ask themselves some questions and search for accountability. Something is wrong with this team on the defensive end. And the Wolves were substantially out-rebounded again, 43-32. Vanderbilt gave us very little and Naz Reid gave us even less. So while I'm not ready to panic, I'm really concerned about this team down the stretch. We need to add a big to the roster - Monroe, Lopez or Brown. I believe it can be done this month without hitting the luxury tax threshold. Prince's play tonight was a reminder that he he won't hit either of his bonus targets.

I remember before the first win against the Nuggets this year Dane did a podcast with his counterparts on the Denver side and they discussed the similarities in the style of defense for both teams. The Denver guys went on about how it takes a toll and as a result there are ebbs and flows. This team might just be hitting a wall as we approach the all star break. I think it will be a much needed break.

I also see it as a bit of a silver lining that teams need to shoot really well to beat this team. That could come into play in a playoff series.

Phenom's_Revenge wrote:I remember before the first win against the Nuggets this year Dane did a podcast with his counterparts on the Denver side and they discussed the similarities in the style of defense for both teams. The Denver guys went on about how it takes a toll and as a result there are ebbs and flows. This team might just be hitting a wall as we approach the all star break. I think it will be a much needed break.

I also see it as a bit of a silver lining that teams need to shoot really well to beat this team. That could come into play in a playoff series.

I agree that our guys will probably benefit from the all-star break.

So what's the story on DLO's shoulder. Something happened right at the end of the game. Didn't look great.