Kevin Glasshands wrote:I'm getting pretty sick of watching Towns. Same story different game, gets into foul trouble early, plays terrible defense to avoid getting fouls, then picks up offensive fouls until he's out of the game and can't help at all.
This is exactly why he's a #2, not a #1. He is such a gifted talent otherwise.
He would be a fantastic #3 on dominant team. But will never be a #1 in his time with the Wolves.
Volans19 wrote:Honestly, when I saw Vando was out I thought we'd lose. It's amazing how one players energy can shift my expectations for the squad.
Great win!
What was so impressive about this win is that we won it with defense with three of our best defenders out. What was kind of depressing about this win is that our offense struggled yet again. We should have dropped 120 on this team.
I think its time to start thinking of Ant as our best defender. His work in the 3rd was huge in shifting the momentum. He has occasional lapses but he is dominant.
crazysauce wrote:I have been really impressed with Dlo. This is starting to be a trend and I like it.
He is easily the one I trust most with the ball in his hands at the end of games. Edwards dithers too damn much and KAT is either fouled out or forces something that just isn't there.
These three still have a long ways to go to make each other better. They are all great individual talents in their own right but offensively we need 1+1+1 to equal more than 3. DLO and Naz might have the best chemistry right now.
thedoper wrote:I think its time to start thinking of Ant as our best defender. His work in the 3rd was huge in shifting the momentum. He has occasional lapses but he is dominant.
He and Okogie get the game ball tonight. Both these guys came up with huge plays defensively. Okogie made a couple of just incredible blocks.
Until Edwards figures out how to score more efficiently, he's not a #1 type guy - just too many missed shots. But damn, he is really blossoming as an all-around talent and that is super encouraging.
Well, it wasn't pretty from start to finish, but it counts in the standings as a win so that means the Wolves move to 11-10! I thought there was plenty of sloppiness in this one, but Minnesota battled practically all night and made the big plays when they needed to. I think Chris Duarte getting ejected was a huge blow to the Pacers as he had 14 points in just 21 minutes off the bench with three triples made. Little plays change the game. The Wolves little-big three were the difference tonight.
- D'Angelo Russell: 21 points (7-17 FG, 3-9 3P, 4-4 FT), 11 assists (one turnover), eight rebounds, and one steal in 39 minutes
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 32 points (13-22 FG, 1-4 3P, 5-8 FT), eight rebounds, and two assists (nine turnovers) in 32 minutes
- Anthony Edwards: 21 points (7-19 FG, 2-7 3P, 5-6 FT), five assists (zero turnovers), nine rebounds, and three steals in 39 minutes
D'Natagal wrote:Gotta love a Wolves team that actually plays defense!!!!
Really impressive. We're without Bev, McD, and Vando and still keep the Pacers to under 100. That's a defensive culture that is seeping into the rest of the roster. Very good sign.
Also, as of this second, the Wolves are in the 6 spot in the West. It'll be tough to be there at the end of the season with the Lakers, Blazers, Grizzlies, and Nuggets currently below us, but I think I'll be disappointed if we don't get into the real playoffs this year, one way or another. We have the talent to be a top 6 team, we just need to hit some shots! Also, please, please, please get a big body to throw on the court already.
thedoper wrote:I think its time to start thinking of Ant as our best defender. His work in the 3rd was huge in shifting the momentum. He has occasional lapses but he is dominant.
He and Okogie get the game ball tonight. Both these guys came up with huge plays defensively. Okogie made a couple of just incredible blocks.
Until Edwards figures out how to score more efficiently, he's not a #1 type guy - just too many missed shots. But damn, he is really blossoming as an all-around talent and that is super encouraging.
I'd probably give the game ball to the guy with 21/11/8, but I agree that Josh Okogie made some key plays -- namely his block on Justin Holiday's drive with 30-seconds left to play. That was nuts.
He also made some dumb ones, however, due to his sheer aggressiveness. That blocking foul 25 feet away from the basket with two minutes left in the game to put Caris LeVert on the line was boneheaded. But that's what you get with JO. He makes plays both good and bad.
