Thoughts on Last Night’s Miami Game?

[Lipoli390]

I was surprised to see no Miami game thread when I belatedly in the second half last night. I watched the replay of the first half. A few thoughts:

1. I like that KAT plays with passion - unlike Wiggins. But he has to get control of his emotions, which often cause him, as they did again last night, to make bad decisions with the ball last night and commit silly fouls. His foul issues are also a produce of his poor technique. To his credit, he scored 27 points and stayed in the game down the stretch without fouling out in spite of his 5 fouls at the time.

2. DLO was hot early in game. But there's no excuse for his stupidity getting that second technical.

3. Juancho shot 3-11 from the field and 1-5 from behind the arc. Among his misses was an easy layup, which he missed just after missing two free throws. He also missed 4 of his 5 free throw attempts. Juancho has looked better lately, but I still have a hard time justifying his $7 million per year contract.

4. The Heat clearly geared their offense to stop Ant. Yet he still scored 24 points while pulling down 6 rebounds. He played well defensively too. He looked like our best player last night. And he kept his head while our two max players were losing theirs. KAT and DLO, not Ant, looked like the 19 year old rookies.

[SameOldNudityDrew]

Thanks for that Lip. Good points. Here are mine.

I've seen KAT kicking his legs out on 3 pointers to draw the foul lately and last night was pretty explicit. He did it early in the game and actually drew the foul. The ref totally blew that call. I was actually mad they DIDN'T call it on him. I think I saw the ref talking to him after that and it wouldn't surprise me if he was warning him about it. Then KAT did it again and they actually called it on him. He could actually hurt someone or himself on that move. It's basically an attempted trip in mid-jump. Dave acknowledged it, but Jim actually tried to downplay it. I can't believe an old school dude like Jim who complains about guys not boxing out could justify that move. It's a cheap bullshit move. In combination with his complaining about so many calls, all the arm flailing he pulls in the post to try to make it look like the other guy is fouling him, and the sarcastic laugh he throws at the refs so often (which signals his disrespect and a mindset like he can never actually imagine he's ever wrong), I just really don't like his personality very much. He comes off too often like a whiny, bratty, borderline-dirty flopper. He's the second-best player in this team's history, but man, I wish he would grow up sometimes.

As for Ant, that stretch in the second half might have been the most explicitly I've seen another team double Ant. It did fluster him and lead to a couple turnovers, but it's also definitely a sign of his growth that other teams feel the need to do that. If he can learn to make the smart pass out of that, it could definitely open up the floor for others even more.

[FNG]

Just finished watching the Miami feed...very entertaining game! I agree with Lip and Drew's takes. Juancho's misses were critical...he needs to make his open threes, and just as importantly, not take the contested ones. Terrible game for him.

But I still think Finch's stealth soft tank was on display tonight, as they are now 0-2 down the stretch with Dlo starting games. As I've mentioned before, Dlo starting hurts us in two ways. First, I much prefer him defensively against a second unit...the open 3-point looks opponents invariably get when Dlo is out there are less harmful against reserves. But more critically, tonight proved again that our second unit desperately needs a scorer like Dlo. The bench shot 33% and was a combined -77! Finch knows this, and I'm convinced is angling for that 40% chance of keeping his pick.

However, putting Rubio back in the starting lineup doesn't fit my tanking hypothesis. Ricky has proven over and over again that he is a terrible player off the bench, and was effective last night back in his customary starting role...16 points on 50% shooting, 9 assists and 2 steals, and a team-leading +12. I suspect that Ricky will return to the bench upon McDaniels return, and I'm okay with that. As the season winds down my wishes have switched again, and I wouldn't mind going 0-5 the rest of the way and holding on to that 40% chance.

Vando was absolutely extraordinary in this game...8 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals (and several more near steals), 2 blocks, and and impressive +9. The Miami announcers raved about him all night. Man is he fun to watch when he is disruptive like that! If you didn't watch last night's game, I highly recommend checking out Vando's first half where he had all 5 of his steals. I also liked how he escorted Butler over to his position in the lane when Butler was jawing with Towns late in the game. Vando is tough, and even Butler didn't want to cross him.

Finally, the post game press conferences were interesting. Check out Ant and KAT together, and everyone trying to pick teammates up. I've mentioned before how much I enjoyed this team's chemistry in the 3 games I attended, and it was on display last night. We're not winning yet, but the potential is there.

[Lipoli390]

Thanks for that Lip. Good points. Here are mine.

I've seen KAT kicking his legs out on 3 pointers to draw the foul lately and last night was pretty explicit. He did it early in the game and actually drew the foul. The ref totally blew that call. I was actually mad they DIDN'T call it on him. I think I saw the ref talking to him after that and it wouldn't surprise me if he was warning him about it. Then KAT did it again and they actually called it on him. He could actually hurt someone or himself on that move. It's basically an attempted trip in mid-jump. Dave acknowledged it, but Jim actually tried to downplay it. I can't believe an old school dude like Jim who complains about guys not boxing out could justify that move. It's a cheap bullshit move. In combination with his complaining about so many calls, all the arm flailing he pulls in the post to try to make it look like the other guy is fouling him, and the sarcastic laugh he throws at the refs so often (which signals his disrespect and a mindset like he can never actually imagine he's ever wrong), I just really don't like his personality very much. He comes off too often like a whiny, bratty, borderline-dirty flopper. He's the second-best player in this team's history, but man, I wish he would grow up sometimes.

As for Ant, that stretch in the second half might have been the most explicitly I've seen another team double Ant. It did fluster him and lead to a couple turnovers, but it's also definitely a sign of his growth that other teams feel the need to do that. If he can learn to make the smart pass out of that, it could definitely open up the floor for others even more.

I hope Finch sits KAT down after the season and has a long, really tough talk with him about growing up. I'm a big fan of KAT's game and I think he's unappreciated by some Wolves fans. And I recognize that's he's improved defensively this season. However, I'm really sick of his immaturity and his failure to improve his technique. His whining has to stop as does his inability to stop his emotions from negatively impacting his game.

As for Ant, yes he was flustered a few times by the double teams and intense defensive focus on him. But he adapted and actually seemed to thrive on it. And his numbers tell the tale as he scored 25 points on 52.6% shooting while also tallying 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Note that, once he adapted to the defensive pressure, he actually did an excellent job of hitting open shooters when the defense collapsed on him. He would have had at least 6 assists if Juancho's shooting wasn't so pathetic last night.

[Monster]

In the Towns leg kick in this game. The first one would have been called but in the replay the foul on Towns upper body looks pretty significant so that would have been called first then the offensive foul. That leg kick is completely stupid I don't know what Towns is thinking.

The 2nd one I don't think was intentional it's a different move sort of a fall away version of Karl Malone. I went to HS with a guy that we joked NEVER missed on a shot that he took like that with the knee forward. We told him after one pickup game he should start shooting 3's like that and he proceeded to hit like 6 in a row which had us all laughing.

I didn't look up the box score and I'm a little surprised Towns had that many points. It feels like either teams can or he lets them control what he does. I will say that the offense in this game looked kinda stale and I'd guess Miami had something to do with that. Towns is a really good player but he isn't always like able. I do think that sometimes his complaining is justified but he complains too much.

The bench in the first quarter and overall struggled to score. Reid was food and Okogie did Okogie things and yes Juancho struggled in this game. McLaughlin was out there with a bunch of zeros at times and it showed. I agree with the tides that Russell starting with Rubio hurts that group and a possible soft tank? Idk about that but it's not what I would do to finish out the season if I was trying to get the most out of everyone. Meanwhile when the Wolves couldn't score Dragic was killing them oh and Herro too but Dragic was putting on a clinic.

Vando he looked like a guy that could be a legit complimentary piece on the roster in THIS game. Like other said Miami's broadcast crew raved about him and they said he played well the last game against Miami too.

I don't know what Russell did to get the technicals. Part of me doesn't hate it if he was complaining about Edwards not getting a call. I don't really care enough to dig into it. I didn't think they were going to win that game anyway.

Edwards was pretty meh and then went off making things a little interesting in the 4th quarter but the Wolves couldn't take advantage of some opportunities.

It was good to see Nowell back out there again. He didn't do much though.

Other than making some shots early I didn't think the Wolves played particularly well offensively and yet they were in this game much of the time. Having one more good performance from a bench guy for them could have swayed this game to at least a close game down to the wire.

Should they win or lose down the stretch now? At this point I'm happy either way. Lol

[Wolvesfan21]

Thanks for that Lip. Good points. Here are mine.

I've seen KAT kicking his legs out on 3 pointers to draw the foul lately and last night was pretty explicit. He did it early in the game and actually drew the foul. The ref totally blew that call. I was actually mad they DIDN'T call it on him. I think I saw the ref talking to him after that and it wouldn't surprise me if he was warning him about it. Then KAT did it again and they actually called it on him. He could actually hurt someone or himself on that move. It's basically an attempted trip in mid-jump. Dave acknowledged it, but Jim actually tried to downplay it. I can't believe an old school dude like Jim who complains about guys not boxing out could justify that move. It's a cheap bullshit move. In combination with his complaining about so many calls, all the arm flailing he pulls in the post to try to make it look like the other guy is fouling him, and the sarcastic laugh he throws at the refs so often (which signals his disrespect and a mindset like he can never actually imagine he's ever wrong), I just really don't like his personality very much. He comes off too often like a whiny, bratty, borderline-dirty flopper. He's the second-best player in this team's history, but man, I wish he would grow up sometimes.

As for Ant, that stretch in the second half might have been the most explicitly I've seen another team double Ant. It did fluster him and lead to a couple turnovers, but it's also definitely a sign of his growth that other teams feel the need to do that. If he can learn to make the smart pass out of that, it could definitely open up the floor for others even more.

I hope Finch sits KAT down after the season and has a long, really tough talk with him about growing up. I'm a big fan of KAT's game and I think he's unappreciated by some Wolves fans. And I recognize that's he's improved defensively this season. However, I'm really sick of his immaturity and his failure to improve his technique. His whining has to stop as does his inability to stop his emotions from negatively impacting his game.

As for Ant, yes he was flustered a few times by the double teams and intense defensive focus on him. But he adapted and actually seemed to thrive on it. And his numbers tell the tale as he scored 25 points on 52.6% shooting while also tallying 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Note that, once he adapted to the defensive pressure, he actually did an excellent job of hitting open shooters when the defense collapsed on him. He would have had at least 6 assists if Juancho's shooting wasn't so pathetic last night.

I think because of the way Butler treated KAT and the Wolves that KAT takes his matchup against Butler more personally. Which then leads to more emotion and a game where he gets out of fundamental winning BB. KAT does tend to whine a bit but this game was an outlier. He was doing anything he could to help the team win.

At least he didn't fall to the floor like a SAB like Embiid. Even on a national talkshow I heard the talking heads talk about the flopper Embiid is. That's embarrassing. I feel bad for all the 6er fans who have to endure his fish like flopping and other shenanigans.

KAT can certainly take another step mentally as well as in technique. I have a feeling he is somewhat uncoachable in that much of his poor technique from 5 years ago is still here today. His high percentage of fouling and poor screening. Both of which should have been fixed long ago.

But also to be fair, the Wolves perimeter defense has usually been a nightmare and teams specifically try and put KAT into foul trouble. It makes sense to do it. He just has to learn how to defend better without fouling. Just stay in front and go vertical. Quit trying to block and strip every play. It's just asking for trouble.

[Coolbreeze44]

During that exchange KAT and Butler both showed their true colors. Jimmy running his mouth now that he finally was able to beat the Wolves. Loved Vando coming over and moving Jimmy over to the other side without touching or saying anything to him. Makes me wonder how big of a badass V8 is. He also got in Avery Bradley's face a few games back, and Avery ain't no slouch either.

[FNG]

Cool, you nailed my favorite moment of the game. It made me wonder if Vando already has somewhat of a reputation around the league as an alpha guy. Yes, Vando didn't even have to talk to or touch him, but Jimmy went to his place like a scolded child. He clearly wanted nothing to do with Vando.

[Monster]

Cool, you nailed my favorite moment of the game. It made me wonder if Vando already has somewhat of a reputation around the league as an alpha guy. Yes, Vando didn't even have to talk to or touch him, but Jimmy went to his place like a scolded child. He clearly wanted nothing to do with Vando.

Vando is likely gonna get some respect (probably especially from a guy like butler) because the guy goes hard all the time and he isn't just a hustle guy he has some actual do shit talent.

[Monster]

Thanks for that Lip. Good points. Here are mine.

I've seen KAT kicking his legs out on 3 pointers to draw the foul lately and last night was pretty explicit. He did it early in the game and actually drew the foul. The ref totally blew that call. I was actually mad they DIDN'T call it on him. I think I saw the ref talking to him after that and it wouldn't surprise me if he was warning him about it. Then KAT did it again and they actually called it on him. He could actually hurt someone or himself on that move. It's basically an attempted trip in mid-jump. Dave acknowledged it, but Jim actually tried to downplay it. I can't believe an old school dude like Jim who complains about guys not boxing out could justify that move. It's a cheap bullshit move. In combination with his complaining about so many calls, all the arm flailing he pulls in the post to try to make it look like the other guy is fouling him, and the sarcastic laugh he throws at the refs so often (which signals his disrespect and a mindset like he can never actually imagine he's ever wrong), I just really don't like his personality very much. He comes off too often like a whiny, bratty, borderline-dirty flopper. He's the second-best player in this team's history, but man, I wish he would grow up sometimes.

As for Ant, that stretch in the second half might have been the most explicitly I've seen another team double Ant. It did fluster him and lead to a couple turnovers, but it's also definitely a sign of his growth that other teams feel the need to do that. If he can learn to make the smart pass out of that, it could definitely open up the floor for others even more.

I hope Finch sits KAT down after the season and has a long, really tough talk with him about growing up. I'm a big fan of KAT's game and I think he's unappreciated by some Wolves fans. And I recognize that's he's improved defensively this season. However, I'm really sick of his immaturity and his failure to improve his technique. His whining has to stop as does his inability to stop his emotions from negatively impacting his game.

As for Ant, yes he was flustered a few times by the double teams and intense defensive focus on him. But he adapted and actually seemed to thrive on it. And his numbers tell the tale as he scored 25 points on 52.6% shooting while also tallying 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Note that, once he adapted to the defensive pressure, he actually did an excellent job of hitting open shooters when the defense collapsed on him. He would have had at least 6 assists if Juancho's shooting wasn't so pathetic last night.

I think because of the way Butler treated KAT and the Wolves that KAT takes his matchup against Butler more personally. Which then leads to more emotion and a game where he gets out of fundamental winning BB. KAT does tend to whine a bit but this game was an outlier. He was doing anything he could to help the team win.

At least he didn't fall to the floor like a SAB like Embiid. Even on a national talkshow I heard the talking heads talk about the flopper Embiid is. That's embarrassing. I feel bad for all the 6er fans who have to endure his fish like flopping and other shenanigans.

KAT can certainly take another step mentally as well as in technique. I have a feeling he is somewhat uncoachable in that much of his poor technique from 5 years ago is still here today. His high percentage of fouling and poor screening. Both of which should have been fixed long ago.

But also to be fair, the Wolves perimeter defense has usually been a nightmare and teams specifically try and put KAT into foul trouble. It makes sense to do it. He just has to learn how to defend better without fouling. Just stay in front and go vertical. Quit trying to block and strip every play. It's just asking for trouble.

Ultimately some of these things are on Towns and he is a good dude with a good upbringing but...the wolves have been an upheaval since he came here. He has played for 4 coaches 3-4 different executives and a roster that's turned over quite a bit. And the summer he had with all the deaths in his family. What constant has been in this organization? Until a few months ago I guess Ryan Saunders?

I haven't seen as many games this year but I actually thought especially earlier in the year he wasn't whining and floundering as much like he has in the past. I feel like to some extent Towns needs to find something in his game to be tougher more of a championship caliber player. Pay Gasol had to do that after losing in the finals and then the next year he was a better player. He didn't suck he core that far from it but I thought he was overall a tougher better defender and just did more to help win. I hope Finch and or some assistant they have can get more out of him as well as him getting more out of himself. It's not easy to do but I also think it's reasonable for us as fans to expect more and I don't seem Karl as a lazy guy I think he expects a lot out of himself too. Sometimes I think those expectations actually keep him from taking that next step.