Game Report - Wolves v. Grizzlies
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2018 8:15 pm
The arena was dead most of the night and so were the Wolves. A lack of energy to go with missed shots.
As I've said many times, the Wolves aren't going to win games scoring under 100 points, much less scoring under 90. Tonight's loss put Thibodeau's poor coaching in full view. The iso offense was back in full force tonight and the Wolves talented scorers weren't hot enough tonight to overcome Thibodeau's typical minimal movement offense. It was clear early on that the team lacked energy and that Thibodeau's rotation wasn't getting it done. But did Thibodeau insert Okogie or Tolliver at all tonight? No.
Teague was terrible and Wiggins regressed - just hours after I posted my hunch that we wouldn't see the old Wiggins any more. But I won't blame this loss on Wiggins. And even though Gasol had a great game, I certainly can't blame this one on KAT who had 15 points on 60% shooting to go with 20 rebounds. He got no breaks from the officials as usual. Rose was terrific as usual. But those two weren't enough.
If tonight didn't remind you of why Thibodeau needs to go, I don't know what will. I've joined the chorus in praising Thibodeau for what appear to be some improvements in his coaching. But on reflection, that praise is pathetic because we're praising him for just doing a few of the minimal basics that should be expected from any NBA head coach. At the same time, we know he continues to consistently do the inexplicably dumb things he's done since coming here and actually since becoming a head coach in Chicago. When Derrick Rose was playing at an even higher level (i.e, best player in the League) and playing 40 minutes a game along with Noah, Deng and Butler, in the Eastern Conference in a bygone era, it worked. And even then, Thibodeau wore out his welcome with management and players.
I see don't see the Wolves ending up near the bottom of the Western Conference standings this season. The team is too talented for that. But I don't see this team making the playoffs. Actually, I posted that view before tonight's game while still basking in the light of the Wolves previous two wins. Tonight was a reminder of why this team can't take a big step forward under this head coach. I don't have a replacement in mind at the moment. But after this season, Glen Taylor and his brain trust had better be well into to process of finding and hiring that replacement.
That's all for tonight.
As I've said many times, the Wolves aren't going to win games scoring under 100 points, much less scoring under 90. Tonight's loss put Thibodeau's poor coaching in full view. The iso offense was back in full force tonight and the Wolves talented scorers weren't hot enough tonight to overcome Thibodeau's typical minimal movement offense. It was clear early on that the team lacked energy and that Thibodeau's rotation wasn't getting it done. But did Thibodeau insert Okogie or Tolliver at all tonight? No.
Teague was terrible and Wiggins regressed - just hours after I posted my hunch that we wouldn't see the old Wiggins any more. But I won't blame this loss on Wiggins. And even though Gasol had a great game, I certainly can't blame this one on KAT who had 15 points on 60% shooting to go with 20 rebounds. He got no breaks from the officials as usual. Rose was terrific as usual. But those two weren't enough.
If tonight didn't remind you of why Thibodeau needs to go, I don't know what will. I've joined the chorus in praising Thibodeau for what appear to be some improvements in his coaching. But on reflection, that praise is pathetic because we're praising him for just doing a few of the minimal basics that should be expected from any NBA head coach. At the same time, we know he continues to consistently do the inexplicably dumb things he's done since coming here and actually since becoming a head coach in Chicago. When Derrick Rose was playing at an even higher level (i.e, best player in the League) and playing 40 minutes a game along with Noah, Deng and Butler, in the Eastern Conference in a bygone era, it worked. And even then, Thibodeau wore out his welcome with management and players.
I see don't see the Wolves ending up near the bottom of the Western Conference standings this season. The team is too talented for that. But I don't see this team making the playoffs. Actually, I posted that view before tonight's game while still basking in the light of the Wolves previous two wins. Tonight was a reminder of why this team can't take a big step forward under this head coach. I don't have a replacement in mind at the moment. But after this season, Glen Taylor and his brain trust had better be well into to process of finding and hiring that replacement.
That's all for tonight.