ANT's Party - Wolves at Thunder Game 1 GDT

[60WinTim]

ANT has been solid, showing improved decision making and sprinkling in a few explosive games in the playoffs. But he really has not dominated like he did last year in the first two series. Will he break out this series? With OKC's defense, probably not. Although, he can continue with his solid decision making. Randle might have another impressive series if he can avoid turning the ball over. And it sure would be nice if NAZ, NAW and Donte would join the party!

NAZ might be playing for his T-Wolves future. There are several draft prospects with multiple years of college experience that could step in and take his place as early as next year (Yaxel and Rasheer are high on my list). We know NAW will be gone, but it sure would be nice if he could kick Shai's butt before departing.

Anyway, I really feel good about the Wolves chances in this series. We love being the underdog!

[Q-is-here]

Yeah, I don't see Ant "dominating" in the traditional sense we think about dominating. Defenses are so geared up to stop him these days that the old saying discretion is the better part of valor applies here.

Can he maintain around a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio? That applies to Julius as well. To me that might be the most important metric for both these guys because it reflects both shot making (meaning the team mates these guys are passing to are making shots) and ball security. I think the second most important metric for these two is FTAs, as I do think OKC has a vulnerability in the paint, despite the presence of Hartenstein and Holmgren, and can be physically overwhelmed at times.

What I'm not counting on is some phenomenal display of shooting efficiency. Even the great Nikola Jokic struggled to convert shots and not turn the ball over on this OKC defense. It's going to be a challenge.

[FNG]

Totally agree with Q that assist to turnover ratio is going to be vitally important in this series. Along with 3-point percentage, I think those 2 factors will determine whether we can compete in this series. And I’ll add it goes beyond Ju and Ant…I want the entire team to have a 2 to 1 ratio. It’s a big ask, but I think we win games in which we can do that.

[Coolbreeze44]

I think we're going to find out a lot about Ant and where he resides among the NBA hierarchy. The stage is set, let's see how he performs.

[Yosimar]

This series is gonna come down more to how the role players do. DDV needs to remember how to shoot or the Wolves are in trouble. Naz needs to play well, and NAW needs to be consistent he's been really up and down these playoffs. Hopefully Jaden can stay out of foul trouble guarding the foul baiting master.

I can see Ant and Julius get theirs and this team still getting beat.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I think we're going to find out a lot about Ant and where he resides among the NBA hierarchy. The stage is set, let's see how he performs.

I'm not expecting a dominant statistical performance. I think he'll struggle with efficiency at times. The Thunder are simply too good defensively, especially with Dort and Caruso on the perimeter and Holmgren at the rim. Remember... Edwards has struggled finishing, especially through contact... AND OKC is the most physical team AND Holmgren is the best rim protector in the NBA per the stats. None of it adds up for a huge series.

It's going to take a full collective effort... with some tough shot-making from Edwards in crunch time.

[WildWolf2813]

Ramona has the Thunder in 7.

I am at ease.

[FNG]

Ramona has the Thunder in 7.

I am at ease.

That's good. Even better, something called Ohm Youngmisuk also picked the Thunder in 7...he's the only person I saw who picked every second round series incorrectly. Keep it going, Ohm!

It's interesting that 5 of the 13 picked the Wolves...unusual given the lopsided line in favor of the Thunder.

[Wolvesfan21]

ANT has been solid, showing improved decision making and sprinkling in a few explosive games in the playoffs. But he really has not dominated like he did last year in the first two series. Will he break out this series? With OKC's defense, probably not. Although, he can continue with his solid decision making. Randle might have another impressive series if he can avoid turning the ball over. And it sure would be nice if NAZ, NAW and Donte would join the party!

NAZ might be playing for his T-Wolves future. There are several draft prospects with multiple years of college experience that could step in and take his place as early as next year (Yaxel and Rasheer are high on my list). We know NAW will be gone, but it sure would be nice if he could kick Shai's butt before departing.

Anyway, I really feel good about the Wolves chances in this series. We love being the underdog!

If they decide to try and guard him one on one then sure. They likely will try some one on one and see how it goes, but then simply switching up some doubles and even mixing in zones if he starts hurting them too bad. Defenses know he's the number one dude so I see Ju with being able to possibly do well again.

That's the thing you can't force it. He's learned that over the season to make the smart play. If OKC doubles him most of the time then he has little choice but to let the teammates cook.

[Q-is-here]

ANT has been solid, showing improved decision making and sprinkling in a few explosive games in the playoffs. But he really has not dominated like he did last year in the first two series. Will he break out this series? With OKC's defense, probably not. Although, he can continue with his solid decision making. Randle might have another impressive series if he can avoid turning the ball over. And it sure would be nice if NAZ, NAW and Donte would join the party!

NAZ might be playing for his T-Wolves future. There are several draft prospects with multiple years of college experience that could step in and take his place as early as next year (Yaxel and Rasheer are high on my list). We know NAW will be gone, but it sure would be nice if he could kick Shai's butt before departing.

Anyway, I really feel good about the Wolves chances in this series. We love being the underdog!

If they decide to try and guard him one on one then sure. They likely will try some one on one and see how it goes, but then simply switching up some doubles and even mixing in zones if he starts hurting them too bad. Defenses know he's the number one dude so I see Ju with being able to possibly do well again.

That's the thing you can't force it. He's learned that over the season to make the smart play. If OKC doubles him most of the time then he has little choice but to let the teammates cook.

The problem is OKC has the defenders to match up with Ant AND Julius, which means they don't have to completely sell out on either guy. Although I was pretty impressed how Julius was able to go right at Draymond, so may be he's just reached a whole new level.