Game 8: Minnesota (4-3) at Chicago (3-5), Nov 7th, 7 pm cst | NBA TV

[Guest84]

Just finished the game…even though they won, the poor defense makes it hard to watch.

I know they need time to gel but I think last years success makes it hard to be patient.

I wonder if this team thinks they have a “switch” now?? Appears they might coast early and try to turn it on later.

My one request to Finch…please get rid of that drop coverage. It’s absolutely terrible for this team.

[Klomp]

I know they need time to gel but I think last years success makes it hard to be patient.

We are literally only one game off where we were last season, including losses to teams that finished the season with 25 and 36 wins, respectively.

[Klomp]

Interestingly, we scored more points tonight than we scored in any game last season.

[Klomp]

I wonder if this team thinks they have a “switch” now?? Appears they might coast early and try to turn it on later.

Read on Twitter

[FrenchMinnyFan]

Clearly offense is better than last year. Ball movement, much more shooters make it difficult for opponents. But defense is clearly not consistent. The last 3 we win, we play good defense around 10-12 min per game and it was enough. But it won't be enough in the PO.
Make me thinking that our lack of defense sometimes is not due to lack of defensive talent but lack of motivation at some part of the game.

Randle and NAZ are the best examples. They fight as dog in offensive situation ( especially Randle) but seems to do less than the minimum on defense on some occasion.

[Klomp]

Clearly offense is better than last year. Ball movement, much more shooters make it difficult for opponents. But defense is clearly not consistent. The last 3 we win, we play good defense around 10-12 min per game and it was enough. But it won't be enough in the PO.
Make me thinking that our lack of defense sometimes is not due to lack of defensive talent but lack of motivation at some part of the game.

I would generally agree with this.

I would also remind people that it is November 7, not May 7. We don't need to be playing at our peak level for a long time. We will get there eventually. I also think that we will be able to not have to put as much pressure on the defense at times, because our defense will be able to manufacture points more easily down the stretch in crunch time. We will be able to match bucket for bucket against most anybody.

Just one example...
In the last 3 minutes of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, we only gave up 7 points. A 112 points per 48 minutes allowed is not that terrible. Problem was, we only scored 3 points. That's 48 points per 48 minutes. THAT'S ATROCIOUS! Sure, making the stop is great, but we need to be a team that can counter when we are punched in the mouth!

[minimus]

Walker Kessler anchoring defense in second unit would do wonders for our team defense, but I should remind myself that he is a level above as player of what he can get right now on the marker if we dont trade NAW and DET pick.

[Guest84]

I know they need time to gel but I think last years success makes it hard to be patient.

We are literally only one game off where we were last season, including losses to teams that finished the season with 25 and 36 wins, respectively.

That’s pretty much why I prefaced needing time to gel. Speaking from a general standpoint, fans want their team to come out strong after a season like that.

However, considering a big trade was made, I understood that that might not happen due to an adjustment period. Well aware they could get on a roll once they figure things out.

[Devilzsidewalk]

The Randle/Naz pairing just isn't working on defense (virtually no rim protection and terrible defensive rebounding). The second problem is there isn't any clear solution on the bench.

Randle has to show more energy on those switches out to the perimeter. Get out there, and look serious. Stopping in front of a 3 point shooter with your hands down is not defense. Naz just needs to get big. Even guards are shedding him off and hitting shots at the rim right in his face. in 21-22, he had a 5.6% block percentage - what happened to that? That was one of the higher marks in the entire league. I also think it's important that they prioritize the offense of Naz/Randle when those 2 are on the court together. Teams need to feel the other side of that mismatch and force them to make tough decisions. Especially when they got a big lumberjack like Vucevic on the court, he needs to see no end of pick and rolls. Lets run some 4-5 pick and rolls too - Randle coming downhill with Naz popping out behind the arc is a tough cover. Your best case scenario is you help on Randle and are scrambling to rotate to 3 point shooters.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Wolves are now up to 6th in the NBA in team EPM net rating. For all the concerns about the defense, they're tied with Cleveland for 3rd (behind Orlando and WAY behind OKC, but ahead of the Celtics and Warriors). 10th in offense flanked by Milwaukee above them and OKC below them (Celtics/Mavs/Nuggets are 1/2/3 for reference).

[shrink]

Wolves were 17-17 FTs last night.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Wolves were 17-17 FTs last night.

Not necessarily counting on him maintaining, but Rudy is 77% on the season - he's never cracked 70%. What a luxury to have a big that can knock them down.