Minnesota Sports Forum

More than anything else, this game was scary. Scary that we had a legitimate chance to lose to one of the worst teams in NBA history. Scary that Ricky turned his left ankle and looked to be in discomfort before shaking it off. And scary that our 2nd unit looked even worse with Kevin Martin off of it. But in the end Andrew Wiggins was not going to let us lose tonight, and we mercifully ended the home court losing streak. Though it shouldn't have been that tough, here is the "KMart is as efficient as Wiggins" 2 + 1:

1) Wish we could have seen some Tyus Jones tonight. Andre Miller looked old and slow and was largely ineffective. It would seem like a perfect night to give Jones some experience. Sam is already playing Zach more and more at the 2 (so much for his only chance to be a star is at PG), so why not let Tyus get some game action?

2) Let's face it, KAT got worked tonight by Okafor. It doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but you might have seen a precursor to talk that KAT is more 4 than 5. You can't use foul trouble as an excuse because Okafor caused that foul trouble. And even without the fouls, Jahlil just had it going all night. I also like his demeanor on the court. He's in better shape than I remember him in college too. Just very impressive. KAT's rookie of the year campaign takes a small hit.

Plus 1 - Anybody still wonder if Wiggins has the fire to become a star? He wasn't just aggressive in the 4th quarter, he was hyper aggressive. He looked possessed in attacking the basket. I love that he got the ball on every possession, and you knew he was going to get it and what he was going to do with it. He brought me out of my chair a couple times. When he retrieved Kmarts facial and jammed it home I was going crazy. Oh yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Let's also give it up to KG tonight. His fire in the 3rd quarter really got us back into the game. Wish he could play 30 minutes a night still because he is just a difference maker like Ricky is.

And that's Cool's 2 things I didn't like tonight Plus 1.

Sheesh, can't imagine how hard that must be for u giving KG props ! :)

PorkChop wrote:Sheesh, can't imagine how hard that must be for u giving KG props ! :)

Haha, no doubt. Love the player, don't respect the man.

Good wrap up, cool. Yeah, it was scary, but I just had a feeling we would pull it out.

Okafor was outstanding tonight. His footwork and touch are extraordinary for a kid his age, and even though he doesn't measure out well defensively, his length does allow him to get some blocks. He definitely won his first battle with KAT, but I still don't think there is anyone here that would take him over Karl.

I am probably more bullish on Tyus than most here, but I'm not with you on wanting him to play tonight. We needed to win tonight, and it wasn't a night to give the kid his first meaningful NBA minutes. Yes, Andre looked bad, but I would have given his minutes to Bazz. Sam said he was going to play him more, but he only played 16. Sure Bazz struggles defensively and that's why he doesn't start, but he's a stronger defender than Andre.

Sorry about your bet. I think most of us thought it was a good one, and if Philly misses that shot that rolled in with 12 seconds left and fouls us right away, Wolves probably cover. That's why I don't bet NBA anymore...too many games that hover around that number at crunch time.

"It doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but you might have seen a precursor to talk that KAT is more 4 than 5."

Eh, Karl-Anthony's already held his own/won his matchup against some very good centers: Hassan Whiteside, Pau Gasol, Al Horford, Al Jefferson, Marc Gasol, Nic Vucevic and Andre Drummond. Jahlil Okafor got the best of him tonight and got Towns in foul trouble early, which really changed the course of the game. Okafor has that ability; think you just have to tip the cap to another talented rookie big man and move on (easier to do when you win the game). Karl-Anthony can and will be more than fine at center going forward.

CoolBreeze44 wrote:

PorkChop wrote:Sheesh, can't imagine how hard that must be for u giving KG props ! :)

Haha, no doubt. Love the player, don't respect the man.

Me too.

. Karl-Anthony can and will be more than fine at center going forward.