Not a whole lot of positives to analyze or discuss from last night’s 22 point miscue, which is about as nicely as one can put it. The Utah Jazz came to play and the Wolves did not, it’s that simple. It was an ugly contest that became increasingly difficult to watch after the first quarter.
What I noticed:
– The Jazz have a core group of dynamic young players that need to be unleashed….and soon. Between Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks, Enes Kanter, and Derrick Favors – all under the ripe age of 22 – the Jazz may be positioned better than any team in the NBA to create a dynasty. If I took over for Kevin O’Connor tomorrow, I would immediately be on the phones trying to trade the $23 million invested in Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap for a star point guard. Would the Wizards give up John Wall if I took on some of their bad contracts? Definitely a question that would enter my mind.
– The Wolves need a shooter real badly. Yet another poor showing from downtown (2-17 from the arc) highlighted one of the biggest issues with our squad right now – we don’t have enough shooters. Chase Budinger was a huge loss and Brandon Roy would have helped too. It might be time to call Sacramento and ask for Marcus Thornton or Orlando for J.J. Redick.
– Terrible transition defense. We repeatedly got destroyed by Utah in fast break situations, allowing dunks and layups at a disturbing rate. Not sure if this is becoming the trademark to our losses, it sure seems so, but someone needs to get back on defense. Atrocious would be a vast understatement.
Moving forward….
Seeing as we have another game in 30 minutes, let’s get over last night’s debacle and move on to tonight’s battle against the best home court team in the league, the Denver Nuggets (10-1 at the Pepsi Center). The Wolves beat them three weeks ago at home 108-105, led by strong performances from Nikola Pekovic (22 points, 11 rebounds) and JJ Barea (17 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds). They most definitely need those two to step up again. A strong game by Kevin Love tonight, who has been struggling to find the consistency that we have grown accustomed to, is also crucial to winning this ballgame.
Kenneth Faried destroyed the Timberwolves and Kevin Love last game. He finished with a season-high 26 points, along with 14 rebounds. [Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images]
Kenneth Faried and Danilo Gallinari combined for 50 points and 18 rebounds the last time these teams clashed. That certainly cannot happen again if the Wolves are going to win tonight. Minnesota does catch a break with Ty Lawson being hampered by a sore achilles tendon and most likely playing a limited role. But then again, if Jamaal Tinsley can ball out on us (last night) I probably should not underestimate Andre Miller.
Time for a Five Guys burger before tip-off, which will most definitely prepare me for a coma if all goes wrong. Lets hope for the best.
The Daily Wolf 