Check back with Wolves Hoops Blog after the game for thoughts/analysis. Also, check back tomorrow for Checking In With Coach Ociepka-Seattle.
The Timberwolves started off their contest against the Sonics very sluggish…almost as if they were on the fourth game on a five game road trip. Although it does not occur very often, the reason for the Wolves slow start was Kevin Garnett.
Garnett was not playing his normal stellar defense in the first half, again not showing well on pick and rolls. He had a few early turnovers and was not shooting well. What is promising for the Wolves is how the rest of the team covered for their superstar as he continues to work to get himself on track.
It was only one half, but how nice was it to see Mike James hit a couple three pointers? James, to this point, has been a disappointment, but if he were able to get his three point shooting on track he would benefit the rest of the team. Garnett and Blount would have more room to operate down low and Ricky Davis would have more driving lanes to break down the defense. Hopefully, he can continue to get himself on track as well.
Through the first game and a half of the Randy Wittman era, there are a few changes that are notable. First of all, Mark Madsen has been the first big subbing into the game, which is somewhat surprising. Although most fans would like to see Craig Smith instead of Mad Dog, Smith has somewhat hit that rookie wall. Now that the opposing teams are able to scout Smith, he does not surprise teams anymore and must now find a way to work through this. By his play tonight, Smith looks to be up to the challenge of earning back his minutes.
As has been the case all season, rebounding is still a major concern for the Wolves. An addition of someone like a Nazr Mohammed would be great for this team, adding another big while subtracting a guard from Minnesota’s surplus. Does Coach Wittman truly believe in what Marko Jaric can bring to the table or has he been playing more lately to showcase for the Pistons? Either way, Jaric is playing a lot. It would be nice to see Foye and James play more minutes together when Jaric is struggling.
Randy Foye has had a rough road trip. It has been a few games since he has shown anything that excites. Has Foye also hit the rookie wall or is he just in a rookie slump? Hopefully, it is the latter. Also, as Jim Petersen mentioned during the local broadcast, when Garnett sits, Davis needs to be on the court. When they both are on the bench, Minnesota’s offense struggles, not being able to rely on Foye for consistent scoring and Blount plays better when playing off Garnett.
The Wolves need this win and are still right in it. Knowing the competitor’s heart that beats within Garnett, especially after his own rough start tonight, he will do whatever possible in the second half to pull out a win.
2 comments:
I wish Coach Wittman would stick with Mike James in a game in which he is productive.
James has been very streaky this year only shooting 36% from behind the arc compared to 44% last years season in Toronto. He is also sometimes shy to take open looks, being that this year he is averaging about 2 less 3-pointers taken each night. If we could get him to build his confidence back up to where it was, the TWolves could get the 3-point shooting they are badly in need of. So I agree he needs to get more minutes, espeacially in games when he seemingly has the hot hand.
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