This was the start that the Wolves needed in Memphis. Scoring 36 points in the first quarter with both their offensive efficiency and their defensive hustle, Minnesota has shown that edge that is needed every game.
Due to the comfortable lead, Coach Casey will now be able to sit his starters for good chunks of time. This is beneficial because the Wolves are playing the first game of a back to back, returning to the Twin Cities tonight in order to host the New Jersey Nets tomorrow.
Although the flow has not been as great in the second quarter as it was to start the game, this is the time for players such as Mike James and Craig Smith to get themselves back on track. James, who has struggled nearly the entire season, has lost a majority of his playing time and his confidence, making this a great game to put in some hard work, learn where to get his shots in the offense, which shots are most productive from him in this offense and to be able to grow as an integral member of the Wolves.
Smith has been a victim of Mark Blount playing at a nearly All-Star level, seeing his playing time cut dramatically. Now that other NBA teams have seen enough of Smith to be able to scout him, this is where he needs to take his next step on the road to a consistent NBA player.
How great is it to see Bracey Wright getting minutes and staking his claim to them? Although the Wolves are overstocked with guards, (and the impending return of Rashad McCants), Wright’s play lately will only push other players to fight back for those minutes. Competition is good between teammates as long as they are supportive of each other at the same time and from everything that has been seen so far this season, they are doing just that.
Be sure to come back to
Wolves Hoops Blog after the
game for the full game report.
Due to the comfortable lead, Coach Casey will now be able to sit his starters for good chunks of time. This is beneficial because the Wolves are playing the first game of a back to back, returning to the Twin Cities tonight in order to host the New Jersey Nets tomorrow.
Although the flow has not been as great in the second quarter as it was to start the game, this is the time for players such as Mike James and Craig Smith to get themselves back on track. James, who has struggled nearly the entire season, has lost a majority of his playing time and his confidence, making this a great game to put in some hard work, learn where to get his shots in the offense, which shots are most productive from him in this offense and to be able to grow as an integral member of the Wolves.
Smith has been a victim of Mark Blount playing at a nearly All-Star level, seeing his playing time cut dramatically. Now that other NBA teams have seen enough of Smith to be able to scout him, this is where he needs to take his next step on the road to a consistent NBA player.
How great is it to see Bracey Wright getting minutes and staking his claim to them? Although the Wolves are overstocked with guards, (and the impending return of Rashad McCants), Wright’s play lately will only push other players to fight back for those minutes. Competition is good between teammates as long as they are supportive of each other at the same time and from everything that has been seen so far this season, they are doing just that.
Be sure to come back to
Wolves Hoops Blog after the
game for the full game report.
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