Game 7 Pelicans at Wolves 11/8/23

[Nick K]

One last point on this.

I don’t disagree that Towns needs to learn to foul less, especially picking up fouls on the offensive end. But if we tell Towns, “go out and play tough defense, even if you get some fouls,” I’ll take it, if that’s the price of his defensive improvement. Yes, KAT is a great weapon, but now our team is talented and deep. If KAT fouls out, this year we drop off to, say, Naz or Kyle Anderson isn’t as bad as a drop off to Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich.

I think most ppl would be fine with him getting fouls playing solid defense and giving effort on that end. The issue is his unnecessary offensive fouls due to poor technique. Mix that in with his excessive complaining and it just becomes a bad look and counterproductive for the team.

I mean Jim Pete is calling him out during the broadcast for complaining even when it’s not a foul or when he commits an obvious foul.

Also, while we do have some decent depth now, we shouldn’t be ok with saying, if he fouls out it’s ok. He’s in his what 9th year? He needs to be held accountable especially if he’s expected to be the second option.

I think he stopped complaining outwardly later in the game cause someone prob told him cut the bs. He needs to get back to the fundamentals and improving technique. Overall he had a much better game though.

What you say is true. It sucks but varies from game to game. There is hope and he still has big talent. You don't flush that over a few bad outings or personality issues that don't suit some. He needs to get his act together for sure.

[Nick K]

One last point on this.

I don’t disagree that Towns needs to learn to foul less, especially picking up fouls on the offensive end. But if we tell Towns, “go out and play tough defense, even if you get some fouls,” I’ll take it, if that’s the price of his defensive improvement. Yes, KAT is a great weapon, but now our team is talented and deep. If KAT fouls out, this year we drop off to, say, Naz or Kyle Anderson isn’t as bad as a drop off to Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich.

I think most ppl would be fine with him getting fouls playing solid defense and giving effort on that end. The issue is his unnecessary offensive fouls due to poor technique. Mix that in with his excessive complaining and it just becomes a bad look and counterproductive for the team.

I mean Jim Pete is calling him out during the broadcast for complaining even when it’s not a foul or when he commits an obvious foul.

Also, while we do have some decent depth now, we shouldn’t be ok with saying, if he fouls out it’s ok. He’s in his what 9th year? He needs to be held accountable especially if he’s expected to be the second option.

I think he stopped complaining outwardly later in the game cause someone prob told him cut the bs. He needs to get back to the fundamentals and improving technique. Overall he had a much better game though.

I agree with you there. Still, a lot of those offensive fouls are ticky as hell. Some are obvious and that's what we remember. I agree he needs to control himself. Still. Give him every chance to improve. You win with talent and he has it. 2nd best on the team.

[Guest84]

One last point on this.

I don’t disagree that Towns needs to learn to foul less, especially picking up fouls on the offensive end. But if we tell Towns, “go out and play tough defense, even if you get some fouls,” I’ll take it, if that’s the price of his defensive improvement. Yes, KAT is a great weapon, but now our team is talented and deep. If KAT fouls out, this year we drop off to, say, Naz or Kyle Anderson isn’t as bad as a drop off to Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich.

I think most ppl would be fine with him getting fouls playing solid defense and giving effort on that end. The issue is his unnecessary offensive fouls due to poor technique. Mix that in with his excessive complaining and it just becomes a bad look and counterproductive for the team.

I mean Jim Pete is calling him out during the broadcast for complaining even when it’s not a foul or when he commits an obvious foul.

Also, while we do have some decent depth now, we shouldn’t be ok with saying, if he fouls out it’s ok. He’s in his what 9th year? He needs to be held accountable especially if he’s expected to be the second option.

I think he stopped complaining outwardly later in the game cause someone prob told him cut the bs. He needs to get back to the fundamentals and improving technique. Overall he had a much better game though.

I agree with you there. Still, a lot of those offensive fouls are ticky as hell. Some are obvious and that's what we remember. I agree he needs to control himself. Still. Give him every chance to improve. You win with talent and he has it. 2nd best on the team.

I think he gets those ticky tack fouls cause of his reputation now. The refs look for it and don’t give him the benefit of the doubt.

[Murphs56]

I haven't been this excited about a season since the Butler year and even then we didn't come out looking like this.

[TwolvesFanRome]

AAARRRROOOOOOOOO!!!

[wolves_89]

One last point on this.

I don’t disagree that Towns needs to learn to foul less, especially picking up fouls on the offensive end. But if we tell Towns, “go out and play tough defense, even if you get some fouls,” I’ll take it, if that’s the price of his defensive improvement. Yes, KAT is a great weapon, but now our team is talented and deep. If KAT fouls out, this year we drop off to, say, Naz or Kyle Anderson isn’t as bad as a drop off to Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich.

After watching the game I'm not completely sure what KAT is doing to pick up fouls every time he drives. The broadcast never replayed the fouls or showed a different camera angle, so in most cases I'm not sure what happened. I'm curious if someone has a clear idea of what exactly he's getting called for?

[Guest84]

One last point on this.

I don’t disagree that Towns needs to learn to foul less, especially picking up fouls on the offensive end. But if we tell Towns, “go out and play tough defense, even if you get some fouls,” I’ll take it, if that’s the price of his defensive improvement. Yes, KAT is a great weapon, but now our team is talented and deep. If KAT fouls out, this year we drop off to, say, Naz or Kyle Anderson isn’t as bad as a drop off to Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich.

After watching the game I'm not completely sure what KAT is doing to pick up fouls every time he drives. The broadcast never replayed the fouls or showed a different camera angle, so in most cases I'm not sure what happened. I'm curious if someone has a clear idea of what exactly he's getting called for?

He’s hooking the defender’s arm with his inside arm most times. The last few games he’s been raising his elbow above the neckline according to what I’ve seen and heard.

[Calinks]

I’m sure Towns critics will use tonight’s game where he fouled out as ammunition, but he looked pretty good tonight. I watched him on defense, and he worked hard staying in front of his man, who were often faster than he was. Even when he picked up his later fouls, he didn’t do any of that overly dramatic whining, which was good to see. Nice night shooting too.

I'll keep saying it. He just has to stop the complaining which is starting to work against him with the refs, and cut down the offensive fouls and we are gravy. A controlled Towns, even if he is struggling like he has been, is a great asset to this team. We just need him to get his head right. If he can do that I think we have legitimate championship material right now.

[A1FromDay1]

I love his shooting and his touch around the basket, I'm not calling him a bad or average player by any means, I just want him to stop driving so much and passing over his head/behind his back. As it was mentioned here multiple times, he's in his 9th year and an all-star, he will not improve his mechanics and technique much anymore, but he can still improve his decision making greatly. I want him in a Dirk role (still can improve the midrange) or Minnesota Kevin Love role (sans the outlet passes). He can shine by doing what he does best. Naz Reid is a natural at driving, evading defenders, suprising them with a variety of moves. KAT just doesn't have it and my eyes still bleed watching all the offensive fouls and other turnovers while mostly falling off balance and allowing opponents to transition 5 on 4.

[Domejandro]

I’m sure Towns critics will use tonight’s game where he fouled out as ammunition, but he looked pretty good tonight. I watched him on defense, and he worked hard staying in front of his man, who were often faster than he was. Even when he picked up his later fouls, he didn’t do any of that overly dramatic whining, which was good to see. Nice night shooting too.

Really good post. It's spot on as I see it. These refs call some of the most marginal chit on him. I'd be pissed too especially when your getting hacked with no calls. He wants and expects fairness and he's not getting it by a large margin. Yes, I get it he complains even if the foul is obvious to everyone but him. He does that. I get it. No ones perfect. Still, it doesn't make his complaint less valid.

The issue is that he largely isn’t getting hacked when he complains, and the hooking on drives (much less the high elbows!) is an immediate offensive foul call on every player in the NBA. The idea that the treatment is unbelievably unfair really doesn’t really carry water, and any extent that it would carry water is immediately undermined by the theatrics.

I just super don’t get it. If Towns chilled with the constant falling to the ground and constant complaining, that alone would completely change the vibe of him as a player. He does himself (and his teammates) a huge disservice by not staying focused.

[FrenchMinnyFan]

Kat is complaining way too much. And it's counterproductive. I remember Rudy getting the same attitude for some period in Utah and Refs were mostly against him. I'm sure if KAT stop to complain, so actions may be judge in a different way. It's anoying as a referee to have players like this.

[thinktank]

KAT needs a counter to his straight line drive. It’s way too predictable. Players know to get tangled up with him upstairs. It works for the defense.

Work in a spin counter. He has a great off hand. This could lead to double teams and pass outs. Work in a quick stop and pop. Maybe use the back toe for a pivot to create separation. One leg fade. These things can work. He doesn’t need get all the way to the rim to be effective.

Need to make those straight line drives be a setup instead of the finish. One move to open up other moves and options. These things will make him more unpredictable, yet more in control and on his feet. Great benefits are right there if the coaching staff can give him these tools and reach him with the instruction.

Using these tools will help him complain less because they enable him to reduce his foul risk.

Think more Dirk and Jokic and less Giannis.

[Baseline81]

Glad to see the Wolves do what one should against a team missing key players.

Watch on YouTube

Let me add, loved seeing those uniforms again.

[younggunsmn]

Very fun game to watch and great to see us taking care of business in a game we were heavily favored in.
Guys are all having fun and look like they really love the game right now, quick crisp passes, guys are moving with purpose on offense and not sleepwalking when they don't have the ball. Great defensive effort and intensity.
The guys who should be knocking down shots are hitting them

Great game from Ant, 2 very impressive steals and 2 amazing blocks.
Conley was great, Rudy was great, Jaden was great. Naz was great.

KAT was better, did a better job keeping his composure. Still 4 bad offensive fouls.
Refs are looking for that stuff from him now, he's got a reputation for it (and the whining about calls has drawn more attention to it too). Can't give high elbows, hook, or push off when you are making moves against a defender.
I just think he has a lot of bad muscle memory there which is going to take a tremendous amount of work to clean up.
Like the leg kick on his 3 that was a problem last year.
He has started cleaning up some of it on defense, so there is hope if he puts in the work.

I wish he could be smarter about working the refs. Instead of blowing up and getting emotional, ask politely what the ref saw at a dead ball.
Asking for an explanation not only strokes the refs ego a bit, it shows you are looking to learn and concerned about the rules and how they are interpreted. There is an art to this, it's like baseball players talking to the umpire about the strike zone.
Some hitters get a lot more respect than others.
If you're respectful and don't go overboard with it, conversation can work in your favor.

Didn't see until I checked the box score that NAW had 8 assists and only one shot attempt.
That's a real step forward for him.
Slo-mo great floor game too.
These guys playing much more cohesive in year 2 together.
Shake still hasn't gotten it going, but I expect him to keep getting better as the year goes on as he learns the offense and his teammates.

It's absolutely wonderful to currently not be carrying a defensive liability anywhere in the main rotation.
Don't know if I've ever seen that from a Timberwolves team before.

[KGdaBom]

Very fun game to watch and great to see us taking care of business in a game we were heavily favored in.
Guys are all having fun and look like they really love the game right now, quick crisp passes, guys are moving with purpose on offense and not sleepwalking when they don't have the ball. Great defensive effort and intensity.
The guys who should be knocking down shots are hitting them

Great game from Ant, 2 very impressive steals and 2 amazing blocks.
Conley was great, Rudy was great, Jaden was great. Naz was great.

KAT was better, did a better job keeping his composure. Still 4 bad offensive fouls.
Refs are looking for that stuff from him now, he's got a reputation for it (and the whining about calls has drawn more attention to it too). Can't give high elbows, hook, or push off when you are making moves against a defender.
I just think he has a lot of bad muscle memory there which is going to take a tremendous amount of work to clean up.
Like the leg kick on his 3 that was a problem last year.
He has started cleaning up some of it on defense, so there is hope if he puts in the work.

I wish he could be smarter about working the refs. Instead of blowing up and getting emotional, ask politely what the ref saw at a dead ball.
Asking for an explanation not only strokes the refs ego a bit, it shows you are looking to learn and concerned about the rules and how they are interpreted. There is an art to this, it's like baseball players talking to the umpire about the strike zone.
Some hitters get a lot more respect than others.
If you're respectful and don't go overboard with it, conversation can work in your favor.

Didn't see until I checked the box score that NAW had 8 assists and only one shot attempt.
That's a real step forward for him.
Slo-mo great floor game too.
These guys playing much more cohesive in year 2 together.
Shake still hasn't gotten it going, but I expect him to keep getting better as the year goes on as he learns the offense and his teammates.

It's absolutely wonderful to currently not be carrying a defensive liability anywhere in the main rotation.
Don't know if I've ever seen that from a Timberwolves team before.

Great point.

[Ranger]

Very fun game to watch and great to see us taking care of business in a game we were heavily favored in.
Guys are all having fun and look like they really love the game right now, quick crisp passes, guys are moving with purpose on offense and not sleepwalking when they don't have the ball. Great defensive effort and intensity.
The guys who should be knocking down shots are hitting them

Great game from Ant, 2 very impressive steals and 2 amazing blocks.
Conley was great, Rudy was great, Jaden was great. Naz was great.

KAT was better, did a better job keeping his composure. Still 4 bad offensive fouls.
Refs are looking for that stuff from him now, he's got a reputation for it (and the whining about calls has drawn more attention to it too). Can't give high elbows, hook, or push off when you are making moves against a defender.
I just think he has a lot of bad muscle memory there which is going to take a tremendous amount of work to clean up.
Like the leg kick on his 3 that was a problem last year.
He has started cleaning up some of it on defense, so there is hope if he puts in the work.

I wish he could be smarter about working the refs. Instead of blowing up and getting emotional, ask politely what the ref saw at a dead ball.
Asking for an explanation not only strokes the refs ego a bit, it shows you are looking to learn and concerned about the rules and how they are interpreted. There is an art to this, it's like baseball players talking to the umpire about the strike zone.
Some hitters get a lot more respect than others.
If you're respectful and don't go overboard with it, conversation can work in your favor.

Didn't see until I checked the box score that NAW had 8 assists and only one shot attempt.
That's a real step forward for him.
Slo-mo great floor game too.
These guys playing much more cohesive in year 2 together.
Shake still hasn't gotten it going, but I expect him to keep getting better as the year goes on as he learns the offense and his teammates.

It's absolutely wonderful to currently not be carrying a defensive liability anywhere in the main rotation.
Don't know if I've ever seen that from a Timberwolves team before.

I'm a casual, although following for years. This forum rules, and guys like you make it easier for me to see what's going on. Thanks.

[shrink]

Welcome back Ranger, stop by any time. It’s going to be a fun year!

[TimberKat]

One last point on this.

I don’t disagree that Towns needs to learn to foul less, especially picking up fouls on the offensive end. But if we tell Towns, “go out and play tough defense, even if you get some fouls,” I’ll take it, if that’s the price of his defensive improvement. Yes, KAT is a great weapon, but now our team is talented and deep. If KAT fouls out, this year we drop off to, say, Naz or Kyle Anderson isn’t as bad as a drop off to Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich.

After watching the game I'm not completely sure what KAT is doing to pick up fouls every time he drives. The broadcast never replayed the fouls or showed a different camera angle, so in most cases I'm not sure what happened. I'm curious if someone has a clear idea of what exactly he's getting called for?

He’s hooking the defender’s arm with his inside arm most times. The last few games he’s been raising his elbow above the neckline according to what I’ve seen and heard.

How about driving right into the chest of Valanciunas? If you want to force the refs to make a call, at least make an effort to go around him. I replay many of the calls and the refs are right most of the time.

[younggunsmn]

Very fun game to watch and great to see us taking care of business in a game we were heavily favored in.
Guys are all having fun and look like they really love the game right now, quick crisp passes, guys are moving with purpose on offense and not sleepwalking when they don't have the ball. Great defensive effort and intensity.
The guys who should be knocking down shots are hitting them

Great game from Ant, 2 very impressive steals and 2 amazing blocks.
Conley was great, Rudy was great, Jaden was great. Naz was great.

KAT was better, did a better job keeping his composure. Still 4 bad offensive fouls.
Refs are looking for that stuff from him now, he's got a reputation for it (and the whining about calls has drawn more attention to it too). Can't give high elbows, hook, or push off when you are making moves against a defender.
I just think he has a lot of bad muscle memory there which is going to take a tremendous amount of work to clean up.
Like the leg kick on his 3 that was a problem last year.
He has started cleaning up some of it on defense, so there is hope if he puts in the work.

I wish he could be smarter about working the refs. Instead of blowing up and getting emotional, ask politely what the ref saw at a dead ball.
Asking for an explanation not only strokes the refs ego a bit, it shows you are looking to learn and concerned about the rules and how they are interpreted. There is an art to this, it's like baseball players talking to the umpire about the strike zone.
Some hitters get a lot more respect than others.
If you're respectful and don't go overboard with it, conversation can work in your favor.

Didn't see until I checked the box score that NAW had 8 assists and only one shot attempt.
That's a real step forward for him.
Slo-mo great floor game too.
These guys playing much more cohesive in year 2 together.
Shake still hasn't gotten it going, but I expect him to keep getting better as the year goes on as he learns the offense and his teammates.

It's absolutely wonderful to currently not be carrying a defensive liability anywhere in the main rotation.
Don't know if I've ever seen that from a Timberwolves team before.

I'm a casual, although following for years. This forum rules, and guys like you make it easier for me to see what's going on. Thanks.

Thank you for the comment this made my day.

[Nick K]

I’m sure Towns critics will use tonight’s game where he fouled out as ammunition, but he looked pretty good tonight. I watched him on defense, and he worked hard staying in front of his man, who were often faster than he was. Even when he picked up his later fouls, he didn’t do any of that overly dramatic whining, which was good to see. Nice night shooting too.

Really good post. It's spot on as I see it. These refs call some of the most marginal chit on him. I'd be pissed too especially when your getting hacked with no calls. He wants and expects fairness and he's not getting it by a large margin. Yes, I get it he complains even if the foul is obvious to everyone but him. He does that. I get it. No ones perfect. Still, it doesn't make his complaint less valid.

The issue is that he largely isn’t getting hacked when he complains, and the hooking on drives (much less the high elbows!) is an immediate offensive foul call on every player in the NBA. The idea that the treatment is unbelievably unfair really doesn’t really carry water, and any extent that it would carry water is immediately undermined by the theatrics.

I just super don’t get it. If Towns chilled with the constant falling to the ground and constant complaining, that alone would completely change the vibe of him as a player. He does himself (and his teammates) a huge disservice by not staying focused.

Yes, you are right. Although I think you selectively see things. He does that but you totally fail to consider the hundreds of hacks he takes with no call but I get your general point.

Look, for me fouls are the worst part of the NBA. It ruins the flow. Nobody pays to see the ref raise his arm and blow his whistle. Naturally, you have to have some calls to keep control of the game but I'd eliminate all ticky fouls that don't really affect the play or give a player an advantage. Just let them play on. The game would be better off for it.