There have already been some big changes to the Timberwolves attack in the first half of the Randy Wittman era. Obviously, this game can still go either way, but win or lose tonight, the Wolves have found some area to build on.
The first thing that jumped out to start the game was the higher pace. There seems to be a conscious effort to push the ball up the court, taking early shots as long as they are smart shots. Ricky Davis has been notorious for taking shots early in the shot clock, most of the time with no teammates under the hoop to rebound. It may be working tonight, but it is still a scary thought to give them the green light to shoot early. If it works, this will be a major accomplishment for Coach Wittman.
Kevin Garnett was subbed out early for Mark Madsen, allowing Ticket to rest for a good chunk of time. The nice thing here is Coach Wittman, if this is the consistent substitution pattern for KG, is using the Michael Jordan substitution pattern that I have previously mentioned would be beneficial for Garnett. The Jordan substitution pattern is to sit with approximately 3-3 ½ minutes left in the first and third quarters, utilizing the extra few minutes between the quarters for rest. Hopefully, this will continue.
Randy Foye played starter minutes in the first half, although Mike James received the courtesy start. Not only is this what the fans want to see, but it is also most beneficial to the future of the Wolves both this season and beyond. Foye, who has shown flashes of the future, should be allowed to develop at a faster pace, which would be accomplished by having more court time with Garnett.
This is obviously just the first half of the remainder of the season, but the team as a whole looked as if they were embracing Wittman and his ideas. After more practices together, they should be able to clean up a few things, building on what is accomplished tonight.
An exciting aspect of all the craziness of the past few days is that the team is out on the road during this time. They have no other choice but to band together, move on and fight. From what has been shown so far tonight, they are doing just that.
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