It's okay guys, we can watch again (Wolves vs. Mavericks)

[AbeVigodaLive]

Remember when Ellis used to be mentioned in trade rumors and most of you guys wanted no parts of him here?

You honestly think he would be performing at the same level he is here in Minny? I saw him play for the Bucks and he was one of the most disinteresed players I had ever seen, same thing would have happened with him here. Carlise brings out the best in his players and knows how to get them involved with great teamwork.

Yeah, Monta works because of Carlisle, Dirk, and Tyson. He's a guy that takes a lot of shots and doesn't do much else. He definitely can put pressure on a defense, but he would be a classic "doesn't work out in Minnesota" type of guy.

Tyson Chandler is the guy that makes that team tick. He anchors their defense and is super efficient on offense rolling to the hoop. Obviously Dirk gets is a HOFer, but TC is a pillar of strength in the middle.

I sorta liked Ellis then. And I sorta like him now. I was definitely in the camp to get him. I also would have taken Jamal Crawford back in the day.

Not because either guy is a savior. And if left unattended, they can create almost as many problems as they solve. But, Ellis can create offense... for himself and others. He might not be the best advanced stats guy... but knowing you have a backcourt guy who can create like he can is something the Wolves have lacked for almost its entire existence and was glaringly obvious the past couple of seasons.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I love these play-by-plays, T.U. Last night was one of the few games I have watched stem to stern since Ricky went down, and I noticed many of the things you mentioned, but I missed some of the others...anyway, thanks for the detail.

Overall it was a very enjoyable game to watch, and I attribute almost all of that to the return of Rubio. Not only did we get to see at least three uniquely-Ricky passes, but we also saw almost the entire team play with an energy that we haven't seen consistently this season. Playing with Ricky demands nothing short of complete effort...even AB, Thad, and Kevin played hard. It was interesting to watch Martin, who usually approaches defense with some degree of disdain, motioning to his teammates and being quite vocal on defense...he has it in him, it's just not his nature to bring it every night.

I share others' comments that Wiggins is getting mugged out there...just not getting any breaks from the referees. Frustrating to watch now, but ultimately it will make him better. Not only will he learn to avoid contact, or absorb it and score anyway, but also eventually he will start to get superstar calls...and I think that will come soon. I see a potential 25-point scorer in him, and I would not have forecast that at the start of the year.

I also agree with others that Thad really benefits from Rubio's return. He rolls to the basket so well, and scores in a lot of creative ways once he gets to the basket, Ricky will make him so much more effective on the offensive end. Thad is much better when he doesn't have to create his own offense or settle for long jumpers.

In many ways, this game reminded me of the Memphis and Chicago games early in the season...games against tough competition that were there for the taking, mostly because of the brilliance of Rubio. Ricky is clearly not in mid-season form, and we miss Muhammad's high-volume scoring off the bench, but in a week or two this club should look like the one we enjoyed the first five games of the season...with the added benefit of a more seasoned Wiggins...beating teams we are supposed to beat, and hanging tough against the playoff teams. Please stay healthy, and stay watchable the rest of the year.

[Coolbreeze44]

Yeah given continued good health, we are going to win some games now. But being in the West, I'd still be surprised if we get more than 20 wins. But we will be much more fun to watch down the stretch.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

The West is simply ridiculous. The Pelicans are 26-22 and are the 9th seed. It's just unbelievable how damn good you have to be. And every year I think the West is going to get weaker, it just gets better instead!

I actually think we're in a golden age of talent within the NBA. There are so many really, really good players. Just look at the all-star snubs in the West and you get a feel for the level of talent right now.

In fact, a lot of folks used to criticize Kevin Love for being able to fill the stat sheet, but not be able to will the Wolves to the playoffs like LeBron used to do with Cleveland. Well guess what - I don't think anyone can single-handedly will their team to the playoffs anymore. You absolutely need plus-level players, but it's just as important to find a group of 5-7 guys that fit together and play selflessly. Last year's San Antonio team and this year's Atlanta team demonstrates how powerful coaching and chemistry can be.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Yeah given continued good health, we are going to win some games now. But being in the West, I'd still be surprised if we get more than 20 wins. But we will be much more fun to watch down the stretch.

Damn, I so much wanted to rebut your prediction, cool, mainly because I'm a pathetic optimist and I predicted the Wolves would win 50% of their games after Rubio returned. Unfortunately the schedule looks really tough for them coming up. I did a quick tank-o-meter and I come up with 19 wins, which likely gives them between third and fifth most ping pong balls. Oh well...at least if last night is any indicator, the games will be much more entertaining.

[Tactical unit]

With a little tactical coaching we could continue the knee minutes restriction thing on Rubio and sub so that Mo is our closer every night and I am confident we can keep losing in what will be otherwise very entertaining games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pipTwjwrQYQ