With this game comes a little bit of hope. A little light in this dark, dark era of Timberwolves basketball. After stimulating a better version of this team less than 24 hours ago, it looked like we had won a 2-0 victory.
Oh, Timberwolves. We know better than that.
It was clear from the outset that the wolves were going to lie down to be run over. Despite the fact that Andre Drummond and Larry Nance Jr. put out, the Wolves did not want the Cavs charity. The Wolves were determined to disappoint what small group of supporters they left with their anemia and defense. Anthony Edwards, who is yet another newcomer to this Wolves “culture”, was not quite on board the Wolves plan by showing some impressive plays. He would finish the game with just a 13/3/2/1 line.
His counterpart, Jaden McDaniels, was also active early on. He hummed the offense along with the rest of the banking unit with a sharp ball motion to break the Cavs zone. Something the beginners could not do. Big Mac would complete the game with 11 points and 4 rebounds.
It did not take long for the true Wolves to reveal themselves. The selflessness and shooting disappeared as the Cavs continued to attack the paint and run into transition. At some point, I’m pretty sure the Wolves seem to believe they should use a minimum of 22 seconds per offensive possession. Saunders mostly went ahead with his platoon exchange, and he was apparently unaware that he could mix an appetizer with players from the bench for more than just two minutes.
Final game of the half summed up how I think the wolves played. With a chance to lower the clock to less than 7 seconds and cut the lead from 6, Russell took a dubious step back with a 3-pointer with enough time for the Allen to get the ball and tee off. recovered to a streak of Sexton, leaving Beasley’s indifferent error with 2 seconds left. He sank both and instead of trying to lure a foul or get a desperate shot down, Russell simply took the exhaust valve, wrapped the ball with both hands and let time pass as if they were about to ‘ to win a match (Ricky would have a similar bad game to end the 3rd quarter).
Passive. Uninspired. Carefree.
The Wolves opened the second half with a play I do not think I have ever seen as a professional basketball team. Okogie found himself without a dribble on the right with Sexton guarding him. He literally turned around on his turntable about five times before taking a 6th pirouette and firing a 13-foot away shot. I think that’s what “Coach” Saunders envisioned when he (and Prigioni) installed a read and comment violation. I think there is absolutely no question of what is allowed.
I need to get it from Saunders off my chest. Do you think Phil Jackson would continue to roll out the triangle offense if Michael Jordan was out for two weeks? If Tim Duncan was out for 2 weeks, do you think Gregg Popovich would still download it low to Fabricio Oberto? Do you think Mike Malone would have Bol Bol operated from the top post if Nikola Jokic was out?
So if Karl-Anthony Towns is not available, the key to this reading and comment violation is, why does Ryan Saunders still roll with the same game plan?
As I write this halfway through the 3rd term, it seems like there are no good takeaways from this one. Unless Ricky throws a lob for Ant for an between-the-legs-alley open, this game was a complete and cruel failure.
The offense was bad.
The defense was bad.
BDLO was bad.
The rookies and Jaylen Nowell.
Beasley was bad.
Ricky was bad.
The big ones.
The effort was bad.
The opponent was bad.
Bo alles, the coaching was extremely bad.
END: Cavs 100 | Wolwe 98
Minnesota finishes with 18 (EIGHTEEN) more FGAs than Cleveland, but icy shooting (28% vs. three) results in a disappointing road loss.
– Canis Hoopus (@canishoopus) 2 February 2021
Game notes:
- The Wolves actually led by 1 point early in the 4th quarter due to the play of the second string. What did Saunders think? He went back to his classic two-point guard. The Cavs immediately took an 8-point lead and never looked back. There was a wild rally to complete the game, but it was too little too late because the Cavs lead never came into a single possession. The final score was not an indication of the story of this match. If anything, it’s just offering word salad for Saunders to use in the press. A press I am interested in listening to today.
- Naz Reid reported early in the 2nd for the first time since last Wednesday and made his first 2 goal attempts. He also added two tries in the 4th quarter to help the Wolves get their last lead in the game. Overall, he was understandably superior to defensive Jarrett Allen. I expect better days for him.
- Jaden McDaniels tried Javale McGee with 2 soul-stealing dunks, but won 0-2. He ended up crushing on Allen in the 4th one, so I like that he retains the same energy.
- Josh Okogie continues with confident bricks at the edge while completely scared to shoot anything in the painted area. Either his thigh muscle issue was still bothering him, or he had completely relapsed. As for any side. He was a team-worst -12 tonight.
Josh Okogie’s career arc is really going to be a Tony Allen. +100 on defense, -100 on offense.
– Super Saiyan Jaden (@ Y0Leo) 1 February 2021
- I do not think it’s a hot or special stranger, but what’s D’Lo if his lap does not fall? He has some sleeping places if he prefers to activate it, but it certainly does not happen every game.
D’Lo, if his shot doesn’t fall, is probably the worst player in the NBA.
– Super Saiyan Jaden (@ Y0Leo) 2 February 2021
- The Cavs got an inspired effort from Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen, but the Rosas favorite, Darius Garland, was the one to pick the game with a beautiful driver over Ed Davis. (Video Incoming)