Nice to report on a win. It's been a while and they have been way too few. A surprisingly small crowd for a Friday night. Probably more empty lower bowl seats than any precision so home game this season. A bit depressing. But the crowd was pretty into the game.
Overall it was a fun game to watch. Our defense was better than its been in a while. But let's not kid ourselves. The Kings are a pretty bad team. There decent on paper, but their on-court chemistry and execution are really bad. Nevertheless, Kudos to the team for their effort and the win tonight. Three Wolves played really well tonight: Wiggins, Bazz and Ricky. Three Wolves were bad: Belly, Martin and Zach, although Zach at least showed flashes and played some defense. The same can't be said about Belly and Martin. Here are some observations:
1. Wiggins was phenomenal. No revelation there. As others have noted in the game thread, what made Wiggins' performance tonight so impressive wasn't his point total; it was his 10 boards and 6 assists. What we saw tonight was the top 10 caliber player that Flip told me Wiggins could become. 32 points, 10 boards and 6 assists. Perfect at the free throw line. Scoring big tough points in crunch time. That's a nice glimpse of what Wiggins can be. Perhaps he was visited last night by the ghost of Timberwolves future. Whatever happened, it was great to see and let's hope it continues on a relatively consistent basis.
2. Bazz was terrific - His best game in a long time. His 16 points were huge for us, but it was his rebounding that got me out of my chair. He has a great nose for the ball and is a really ferocious rebounder on both ends. And he actually showed tonight that he's both willing and able to pass the ball. :). Loved the way he played tonight. Love his passion, intensity and toughness.
3. Ricky had another terrific game with 8 assists and 7 rebounds. His two early three-pointers helped set the tone before his FG shooting returned to its typical horrendous level. But as usual, the rest of his game was a huge positive force for the team. He was a great leader tonight too - talkng a lot to his teammates both on the court and on the bench. One particularly fun leadership moment. That one moment happened after Dieng gave up an easy dunk by failing to rotate back into the paint. Dieng then clumsily knocked a beautiful Ricky pass off his knee and out of bounds on the other end. Dieng then started jawing at the official rather than getting back on defense. At that point a visibly frustrated Ricky shoved Dieng forward telling him to get his head in the game. In the 4th quarter,he pulled the team together in a huddle on the court and gave them what appears to be a spirited pep talk. It was great to see.
4. Towns would have had a great game offensively if not for foul trouble. He had a hard time defensively with Cousins, but so do a lot of defenders.
5. Sam did a nice job tonight, although the 16 minutes Martin got were, in my view, 16 too many. But alas, as long as Martin's here, I can see why Sam might feel compelled to play him.
6. Speaking of Martin, did I already say he was pathetic tonight?
7. Belly was horrible tonight and appears to be regressing.
Game Report - Wolves v Kings
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longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]
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Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
I'm glad you were able to see a win, Lip...I'm currently 1-6 with the Spurs my next game :cry: . Too bad the crowd was so small for what I thought was the most entertaining game of the year. Here are some of my takeaways about last night.
1) The starting lineup. A great defensive start doesn't guarantee a win, but it sure helps set the stage for a good defensive game. What a joy it is to watch KAT/KG/Tay/Wig/Ricky keep the opponent's starters in check! Sacramento is one the highest scoring teams in the league, but by the time KG and Tay were both off the court, we were up 27-17 with 2 minutes left in the quarter. I believe this starting lineup is 5-2 now, and Sam needs to stay with it.
2) Athleticism! This is one of the most athetic teams in the league, and many of us have been waiting for a night like this. We got to see 4 highlight reel dunks...3 putback dunks by Wig and Bazz, and an explosive end-to-end dunk by Zach. All 4 got the bench up and cheering, and KAT was especially fun to watch celebrating. We know how freakishly athletic Zach and Wig are, but Bazz's vertical is almost as much fun to watch...I don't think anyone gets up any faster. He displayed his vertical in three ways last night...on that explosive putback, on several defensive rebounds, and on one jump ball where he easily outjumped a taller opponent.
3) Sam's substitution pattern. It's much easier to coach the Spurs or Warriors than the Wolves, because you pretty much know what you're going to get from those guys every night. The Wolves, not so much. Guys like Zach are going to be brilliant one night, and not so good the next. Even a clown like Kevin Martin is going to have nights where he carries our offense...last night wasn't one of them. The volatility of this team forces Sam to try different things every night. Some nights I scratch my head at his choices, but last night I thought he was exceptional. The ineffectiveness of Belly, Martin, Zach and to some extent Miller combined with the foul troubles of KAT made it really difficult to put 5 effective guys on the court, but I thought Sam had his finest game of the year. I got a little frustrated when he yanked KG so early in the 1st quarter when the defense was playing so well, but it meant KG still had enough left in the tank to play the last 7 minutes of the game when Sam needed his length with KAT on the bench with 5 fouls. Further, Sam's offensive/defensive subsititions in the final minutes were the right choices every time. Terrific game for the coach.
4) Clutch play. Some here (including me) have criticized Wig for missing key free throws in a few games, and I think it was appropriate to point that out. But last night Wig was clutch when we needed him...going 4-4 on free throws at crunch time. Ricky was also 4-4 in the final minutes. Last night was a big growth night for our young players. Unlike Kevin Martin, our young guys (especially Wig) act like they really want the ball at crunchtime.
5) Corner 3's!. The Wolves trail the pack in the most efficient shot in basketball, and I don't know if that is the fault of Sam's coaching or our players not listening. But last night we saw more corner threes than we have in any game all year. Bazz looks especiaily comfortable over there, and needs to get open in the corner more frequently. Tay frustrated me by hitting a long 2 inches inside the arc, but he has shown a propensity to hit the corner three during his career. With opponents focusing so much on KAT and Wig early in games, he should position himself in the corner for open looks. Wig is mostly missing his corner 3's, but needs to keep taking them. More corner 3's!
6) I'm so conflicted on Bazz. I never question his effort, and last night he showed great intensity at both ends of the court as usual. And though he is not a starter, he has the potential to put up 15 points on any given night. But the issue continues to be his defense. Some nights I see signs of improvement, but last night was not one of them. Just like Jason Kidd directed his offense successfully toward whoever Kevin Love was guarding a couple weeks ago, George Karl was sussessful at targeting Bazz, It didn't matter who he was guarding...Casspi, Belinelli, Gay...George found him. I support Sam keeping him on the court when he is so productive offensively and more minutes should help him learn to play defesne better, but he was awful on defense last night...and his minus 3 despite his 16 points and 7 rebounds illustrates this. If Bazz learns to play better defense, he is potentially a starter next to Wig even if he doesn't become a better distributor. But until then Sam still needs to find ways to get him on the court for 20 MPG.
7) Belly. Belly is lost out there. I read a quote from him somewhere where he said the more intense NBA schedule compared to Europe has been tough for him to adjust to. It really shows. He is such a skilled player, but he bears no resemblance to the November Belly. Sam wisely yanked him last night after 4 poor minutes and went small. But when Karl countered with DNC/Koufos leaving Tay on Koufos, Sam reacted by subbing in little-used Payne for Tay. While Payne's box score wasn't much, his 7 minutes were much better than Belly's 4. Until Belly starts playing like we know he can, I would move Payne and G ahead of him for backup PF minutes. Both guys can frustrate me at PF at times, but I think they are both outplaying Belly right now. It's time to give Bally the rest he seemed to hint that he needed, and see if he can return to form in a couple weeks.
1) The starting lineup. A great defensive start doesn't guarantee a win, but it sure helps set the stage for a good defensive game. What a joy it is to watch KAT/KG/Tay/Wig/Ricky keep the opponent's starters in check! Sacramento is one the highest scoring teams in the league, but by the time KG and Tay were both off the court, we were up 27-17 with 2 minutes left in the quarter. I believe this starting lineup is 5-2 now, and Sam needs to stay with it.
2) Athleticism! This is one of the most athetic teams in the league, and many of us have been waiting for a night like this. We got to see 4 highlight reel dunks...3 putback dunks by Wig and Bazz, and an explosive end-to-end dunk by Zach. All 4 got the bench up and cheering, and KAT was especially fun to watch celebrating. We know how freakishly athletic Zach and Wig are, but Bazz's vertical is almost as much fun to watch...I don't think anyone gets up any faster. He displayed his vertical in three ways last night...on that explosive putback, on several defensive rebounds, and on one jump ball where he easily outjumped a taller opponent.
3) Sam's substitution pattern. It's much easier to coach the Spurs or Warriors than the Wolves, because you pretty much know what you're going to get from those guys every night. The Wolves, not so much. Guys like Zach are going to be brilliant one night, and not so good the next. Even a clown like Kevin Martin is going to have nights where he carries our offense...last night wasn't one of them. The volatility of this team forces Sam to try different things every night. Some nights I scratch my head at his choices, but last night I thought he was exceptional. The ineffectiveness of Belly, Martin, Zach and to some extent Miller combined with the foul troubles of KAT made it really difficult to put 5 effective guys on the court, but I thought Sam had his finest game of the year. I got a little frustrated when he yanked KG so early in the 1st quarter when the defense was playing so well, but it meant KG still had enough left in the tank to play the last 7 minutes of the game when Sam needed his length with KAT on the bench with 5 fouls. Further, Sam's offensive/defensive subsititions in the final minutes were the right choices every time. Terrific game for the coach.
4) Clutch play. Some here (including me) have criticized Wig for missing key free throws in a few games, and I think it was appropriate to point that out. But last night Wig was clutch when we needed him...going 4-4 on free throws at crunch time. Ricky was also 4-4 in the final minutes. Last night was a big growth night for our young players. Unlike Kevin Martin, our young guys (especially Wig) act like they really want the ball at crunchtime.
5) Corner 3's!. The Wolves trail the pack in the most efficient shot in basketball, and I don't know if that is the fault of Sam's coaching or our players not listening. But last night we saw more corner threes than we have in any game all year. Bazz looks especiaily comfortable over there, and needs to get open in the corner more frequently. Tay frustrated me by hitting a long 2 inches inside the arc, but he has shown a propensity to hit the corner three during his career. With opponents focusing so much on KAT and Wig early in games, he should position himself in the corner for open looks. Wig is mostly missing his corner 3's, but needs to keep taking them. More corner 3's!
6) I'm so conflicted on Bazz. I never question his effort, and last night he showed great intensity at both ends of the court as usual. And though he is not a starter, he has the potential to put up 15 points on any given night. But the issue continues to be his defense. Some nights I see signs of improvement, but last night was not one of them. Just like Jason Kidd directed his offense successfully toward whoever Kevin Love was guarding a couple weeks ago, George Karl was sussessful at targeting Bazz, It didn't matter who he was guarding...Casspi, Belinelli, Gay...George found him. I support Sam keeping him on the court when he is so productive offensively and more minutes should help him learn to play defesne better, but he was awful on defense last night...and his minus 3 despite his 16 points and 7 rebounds illustrates this. If Bazz learns to play better defense, he is potentially a starter next to Wig even if he doesn't become a better distributor. But until then Sam still needs to find ways to get him on the court for 20 MPG.
7) Belly. Belly is lost out there. I read a quote from him somewhere where he said the more intense NBA schedule compared to Europe has been tough for him to adjust to. It really shows. He is such a skilled player, but he bears no resemblance to the November Belly. Sam wisely yanked him last night after 4 poor minutes and went small. But when Karl countered with DNC/Koufos leaving Tay on Koufos, Sam reacted by subbing in little-used Payne for Tay. While Payne's box score wasn't much, his 7 minutes were much better than Belly's 4. Until Belly starts playing like we know he can, I would move Payne and G ahead of him for backup PF minutes. Both guys can frustrate me at PF at times, but I think they are both outplaying Belly right now. It's time to give Bally the rest he seemed to hint that he needed, and see if he can return to form in a couple weeks.
Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
I disagree with Sam's comment that Wiggins plays better at the SG position. First of all, Wiggins has exactly the same role and plays the same way on the offensive end regardless of which position he plays. And team's defend him the same way as well. As Flip often said, what position you play depends on who you can defend. Wiggins can defend 2s and 3s. Who he defends best depends on the particular player. Does defending 3s take more of a physical toll on him and affect his offense? If he's defending a big strong physical SF, then perhaps. But the same could be said if he's guarding an especially mobile high scoring SG who he has to chase around all the time.
Wiggins has SF size. He's 6'9 with long arms and springs in his legs and at age 20 he's definitely going to fill out and get a lot stronger. Yet, he has the ability to defend SGs as well. So from a defensive standpoint he can play either position - perhaps better at SG defensively now but just as good if not better guarding SFs in 2 or 3 years when he fills out.
The problem with Wiggins at SG is that it takes away the opportunity to have a second ballhandler on the floor. As Flip said, in today's NBA to be a championship contender you need two ball handlers on the floor. I just don't see Wiggins' ballhandling developing to the point where he becomes an NBA SG-caliber ballhandler. Its one of those basic motor skills developed early in life that tends to improve only marginally once a player is in his 20s. In contrast, 20 year olds almost always get significantly bigger and stronger after their 20th birthday.
Again, Wiggins can ultimately play either position. I just think the team is better long term with Wiggins at the 3 and LaVine at the 2 giving us a second ballhandler and a second scoring option at the wing who can take some of the defensive attention off Wiggins. In that case, I'd see Bazz as our 6th man providing instant offense and rebounding off the bench. However, the team might be better with Wiggins at the 2 in some instances depending on matchups, in which case I'd see Wiggins paired with Bazz at the 3 and LaVine as the 6th man.
A nice choice to have. But my bottom line is this. This team is probably better now against most teams with Prince at the 3 next to Wiggins. But Prince will not be around long term. So it's time in my view to bite the bullet and pair Wiggins with either LaVine or Bazz. I think pairing him with LaVine makes the most sense given the importance of having a second ballhandler on the floor and the value Bazz can add as a scorer AND rebounder in the second unit. Ultimately we will have to find a backup PG for Ricky, but for now that guy can be Miller until Jones is ready for a trial run.
Wiggins has SF size. He's 6'9 with long arms and springs in his legs and at age 20 he's definitely going to fill out and get a lot stronger. Yet, he has the ability to defend SGs as well. So from a defensive standpoint he can play either position - perhaps better at SG defensively now but just as good if not better guarding SFs in 2 or 3 years when he fills out.
The problem with Wiggins at SG is that it takes away the opportunity to have a second ballhandler on the floor. As Flip said, in today's NBA to be a championship contender you need two ball handlers on the floor. I just don't see Wiggins' ballhandling developing to the point where he becomes an NBA SG-caliber ballhandler. Its one of those basic motor skills developed early in life that tends to improve only marginally once a player is in his 20s. In contrast, 20 year olds almost always get significantly bigger and stronger after their 20th birthday.
Again, Wiggins can ultimately play either position. I just think the team is better long term with Wiggins at the 3 and LaVine at the 2 giving us a second ballhandler and a second scoring option at the wing who can take some of the defensive attention off Wiggins. In that case, I'd see Bazz as our 6th man providing instant offense and rebounding off the bench. However, the team might be better with Wiggins at the 2 in some instances depending on matchups, in which case I'd see Wiggins paired with Bazz at the 3 and LaVine as the 6th man.
A nice choice to have. But my bottom line is this. This team is probably better now against most teams with Prince at the 3 next to Wiggins. But Prince will not be around long term. So it's time in my view to bite the bullet and pair Wiggins with either LaVine or Bazz. I think pairing him with LaVine makes the most sense given the importance of having a second ballhandler on the floor and the value Bazz can add as a scorer AND rebounder in the second unit. Ultimately we will have to find a backup PG for Ricky, but for now that guy can be Miller until Jones is ready for a trial run.
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Q12543 [enjin:6621299]
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Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
I'm on the fence with this one. I absolutely believe Lip is right about having a secondary ball handler out there, but I feel like the importance of that is magnified at the end of games, when teams tend to go smaller anyway. So yes, having a Rubio-LaVine-Wiggins perimeter trio at the end of close games makes a ton of sense to me.
But what about the start of halves? I'm still convinced that going with a bigger, more defensively oriented lineup makes the most sense and that's what most other teams do as well.
I remember one play against Denver where Wiggins was guarding Gallinari* straight up. Gallo took it right at Wiggins in a drive to the hoop. And even though Andrew stayed with him, he was literally being manhandled by Gallo and had to foul him to stop his momentum.
The other problem with Wiggins starting at SF is that it exposes his allergies to rebounds even more (unless somehow he turned the corner last night).
So for now, I like the starting unit that Mitchell started the season with and went back to last night.
*Is it me, or does Gallinari look like a character out of WWF? Seriously, he's blown up to like 250 lbs and his eyes have sunk back into his head. Steroids perhaps? He looks nothing like the lithe kid out of Italy a few years ago.
But what about the start of halves? I'm still convinced that going with a bigger, more defensively oriented lineup makes the most sense and that's what most other teams do as well.
I remember one play against Denver where Wiggins was guarding Gallinari* straight up. Gallo took it right at Wiggins in a drive to the hoop. And even though Andrew stayed with him, he was literally being manhandled by Gallo and had to foul him to stop his momentum.
The other problem with Wiggins starting at SF is that it exposes his allergies to rebounds even more (unless somehow he turned the corner last night).
So for now, I like the starting unit that Mitchell started the season with and went back to last night.
*Is it me, or does Gallinari look like a character out of WWF? Seriously, he's blown up to like 250 lbs and his eyes have sunk back into his head. Steroids perhaps? He looks nothing like the lithe kid out of Italy a few years ago.
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longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]
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Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
Yeah, I agree with that take, Lip...Wig's effectiveness at SF or SG depends on the matchups. Last night, for instance, I was totally comfortable with him at the 3 and Zach at the 2 (despite on off night) against a Kings team that is quite small at the wing positions...same thing with a smaller team like Portland. But I thought Sam blundered against the Knicks pairing them together at times, and Anthony/Afflalo totally bullied Wig/Zach when they were matched up. My hope is similar to yours... that Ricky stays healthy and remains our PG for several years, and that Wig and Zach bulk up and can be relied upon to be our regular starting wings regardless of matchups. But there are some variables involved there, and that's why I think Sam is keeping his options open at PG. If, heaven forbid, Ricky suffered another devastating knee or ankle injury, I don't think he sees Tyus or Miller as everyday starting PG's. Zach is still learning his craft too, but still is a better 2-way option.
If Ricky can stay healthy, Tyus can develop into a reliable backup PG, Zach and Wig can bulk up enough to handle the defensive and rebounding rigors of SG and SF respectively, and Milt can use available cap space to land a PF that fits in well with these guys, this team could really become something special. That's a lot of "ifs", but none of them are preposterous...and this franchise deserves a little luck.
If Ricky can stay healthy, Tyus can develop into a reliable backup PG, Zach and Wig can bulk up enough to handle the defensive and rebounding rigors of SG and SF respectively, and Milt can use available cap space to land a PF that fits in well with these guys, this team could really become something special. That's a lot of "ifs", but none of them are preposterous...and this franchise deserves a little luck.
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AbeVigodaLive
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Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
Long...
Prince having a wide open corner 3... then taking one step inside the arc... arrgh.
Prince having a wide open corner 3... then taking one step inside the arc... arrgh.
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SameOldNudityDrew
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Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
lipoli390 wrote:Wiggins has SF size. He's 6'9 with long arms and springs in his legs and at age 20 he's definitely going to fill out and get a lot stronger.
This is a minor point, but it's weird enough I think it's worth mentioning. Andrew Wiggins seems to have grown an inch in our minds but I don't actually see it in real life (unless you are counting his hair). I was excited when people started talking about Wiggins having grown an inch over the summer, but whenever he's standing next to another guy who is 6'9" or even 6'8" this season he always looks an inch or so shorter to me. I was thinking that last night when he was guarding Gay in particular. I thought the same about Wiggins and Melo the other day, and about Wiggins and Faried. Am I crazy, or is Wiggins still an inch shorter than Gay, and definitely no taller than Melo and Faried? Gay, Melo, and Faried are all 6'8" and Wiggins definitely looks an inch or so shorter than them. I'm not saying this to criticize, I just think it's a rumor that we've somehow started to take as a fact. And I don't think it really matters that much, but I think it's just a little weird.
Lip, you're the kind of the overhead reach. Do you know what Wiggins' wingspan is compared to other guys 6'8" or 6'9"?
A couple of these pics might be from last year, so they may not be proof, but I don't think he's quite as tall as those guys, Gay in particular. And Bazz is listed at 6'6". Check out the pics from just this past week. Again, this is a minor thing, but I just think it's weird that Wiggins somehow grew an inch in our minds because of something somebody said this summer but in real life, he looks the same size.
Edit: freaking hyperlinks didn't work, so I'm posting the whole addresses here.
http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcache1.asset-cache.net%2Fgc%2F460965648-rudy-gay-of-the-sacramento-kings-stands-on-gettyimages.jpg%253Fv%253D1%2526c%253DIWSAsset%2526k%253D2%2526d%253DGkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QaDlScgzN8nRAPtI%25252BTtjmPvmJ6VSX566VxgTEueMgmb7QdrfqZncf8nkup06R323SXWna19WnDJoryHk6bP4FOGOnb9mGgY0qfJIzrtStYzY&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettyimages.com%2Fdetail%2Fnews-photo%2Frudy-gay-of-the-sacramento-kings-stands-on-the-court-during-news-photo%2F460965648&h=396&w=594&tbnid=S8EJL9qEt9AuuM%3A&docid=Pgfo7PJuikevwM&ei=e5l1VsuOHoiKU8SHh8AK&tbm=isch&client=safari&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=339&page=1&start=0&ndsp=39&ved=0ahUKEwiLuNLpvujJAhUIxRQKHcTDAagQrQMILDAF
http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhardwoodparoxysm.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F6%2F2015%2F01%2Fandrew-wiggins-carmelo-anthony-nba-new-york-knicks-minnesota-timberwolves.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhardwoodparoxysm.com%2F2015%2F01%2F13%2Fhead-head-futility-knicks-wolves-losing-streaks-match%2F&h=566&w=850&tbnid=Hjpjb_A6A0OPLM%3A&docid=jrOY0v_dKpjCJM&ei=bZp1VtzCBIW7UfbCmOAG&tbm=isch&client=safari&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=205&page=1&start=0&ndsp=42&ved=0ahUKEwicrevcv-jJAhWFXRQKHXYhBmwQrQMIHTAA
http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.thatnbalotterypick.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F12%2FAndrewWigginsShabazzMuhammad.png&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thatnbalotterypick.com%2Fandrew-wiggins-does-360-slam-dunk-at-2015-nba-rising-stars-challenge%2F&h=395&w=594&tbnid=bJq4OTExt1RTxM%3A&docid=oCXWJkcHsI6AiM&ei=Ep51VsGoEseqa5OKndAI&tbm=isch&client=safari&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=9946&page=1&start=0&ndsp=40&ved=0ahUKEwjB-eqZw-jJAhVH1RoKHRNFB4oQrQMIIDAB
http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.minnpost.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fimagecache%2Farticle_detail%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FWiggingMuhammadMitchell640.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.minnpost.com%2Fsports%2F2015%2F12%2Fsam-mitchell-was-right-call-me-out-his-postgame-press-conference-hes-wrong-be-dismiss&h=465&w=640&tbnid=9veF0sEqnx0sEM%3A&docid=jBN8PolcoqDa0M&ei=Ep51VsGoEseqa5OKndAI&tbm=isch&client=safari&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=464&page=1&start=0&ndsp=40&ved=0ahUKEwjB-eqZw-jJAhVH1RoKHRNFB4oQrQMIODAJ
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khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]
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Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
If Belly is struggling with the schedule then Sam should be holding him out on some nights to rest and give Payne more run. Payne is still a second year developing player who should be seeing the floor if that time is there. If Belly needs to take back to backs off or drop a game a week for rest then do it. Just keep him dressed and only play him in emergencies. Belly isn't 20 like the other kids. He's much older so we should give him some rest.
This is something that some coaches have picked up on while most of the league still haven't. Too many coaches and players are clinging to an 82 games played dream when it's smarter to strategically rest guys throughout the season. Most teams do it for the playoffs, but I don't see why we don't do it to save guys for a second half run when teams start falling off trying to lose games. That could be the momentum builder we need going into next year. Either way it'd be nice to build that kind of system now so we don't burn out our young assets and they can get more out of the games they do play.
This is something that some coaches have picked up on while most of the league still haven't. Too many coaches and players are clinging to an 82 games played dream when it's smarter to strategically rest guys throughout the season. Most teams do it for the playoffs, but I don't see why we don't do it to save guys for a second half run when teams start falling off trying to lose games. That could be the momentum builder we need going into next year. Either way it'd be nice to build that kind of system now so we don't burn out our young assets and they can get more out of the games they do play.
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BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]
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Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
Agree with others on here about not playing 10 or 11 guys, if Belly is struggling, yeah let Payne play a few games. I like Tay as our starter, unfortunately he's not part of the future. But Sam and KG are buddies, so KG not starting will never happen either. If Sam feels he has to start them and I'm not so sure it's a bad idea, but I think it should be token for the first 10 minutes and then they can sit the rest of the game. Miller and Martin can collect DNP's for all I care.
Re: Game Report - Wolves v Kings
Belly being tired now is something Ive harped on a lot early in the season when he was playing well. I've said that kg being only able to play 14min a night and starting really hurt the pf rotations. Belly was forced to go 13-15 min straight without a rest as kg's main backup early when he was playing well. Then he got injured and is now in a funk. Ideally, you want to rest a guy about 10mins in to keep him fresh. Belly was not getting rested early.
Pek ckming back might help as he should get 15-18min a night.
Pek ckming back might help as he should get 15-18min a night.