The Wolves players allowed to suit up tonight against the Phoenix Suns are in the midst of giving the best effort expected. However, this game is being played at the Suns pace, which will be a problem for the Wolves in the second half even though they are weathering the storm at the moment.
Minnesota needs to slow down the pace of this game by playing solid defense. With the shooters the Suns have on their team, it would be most beneficial to allow Amare Stoudamire to work down low and get his points while staying home on the outside shooters. Right now, Minnesota is helping each other too much on the defensive end.
The ball movement has not been the best to this point as the a lot of the play has been one on one. This is understandable as the cornerstone of their offense, Kevin Garnett, is not down in the post, making the decisions. Mark Blount is certainly not the greatest post player, but for this night, the best option is to run the ball through him.
Coach Dwane Casey and the coaching staff should be commended for their ability to have this team focused and willing to put up a fight tonight. It would have been very easy for this team to come out and give a half-hearted effort with this long road trip in front of them and without Garnett and Davis. Minnesota is down at the half, but are playing well. Hopefully, that will continue in the second half along with the free throw shooting improving.
Minnesota should go into halftime proud of what they have accomplished in the first half, yet know there is still more work to do.
No comments:
Post a Comment