Game 2: New Orleans at Minnesota (1-0), 7 pm, BSN

[winforlose]

Not surprised to see so much negativity around here. People aren't used to winning with defense.

Obviously it's early and these numbers won't hold up, but we have a defensive rating of 93.1 through the first two games. That's bonkers! Only three players have a defensive rating worse than 101: Bolmaro, Layman and Wright.

I see your point but I have a slightly different take. The history of winning early and then falling off a cliff makes us more cautious and more focused on the projection based on play rather than living in the moment. That said, you are correct that defense is definitely our difference maker right now. Where we should be disappointed is in the offense. Our bench has not been scoring well enough and guys like Beasley and Reid have been disappointing. I think we can win 50-55 if we keep up our defense and get our bench back on track

[Klomp]

Not surprised to see so much negativity around here. People aren't used to winning with defense.

Obviously it's early and these numbers won't hold up, but we have a defensive rating of 93.1 through the first two games. That's bonkers! Only three players have a defensive rating worse than 101: Bolmaro, Layman and Wright.

I see your point but I have a slightly different take. The history of winning early and then falling off a cliff makes us more cautious and more focused on the projection based on play rather than living in the moment. That said, you are correct that defense is definitely our difference maker right now. Where we should be disappointed is in the offense. Our bench has not been scoring well enough and guys like Beasley and Reid have been disappointing. I think we can win 50-55 if we keep up our defense and get our bench back on track

But to me, it's not just the fact we're winning games that's important. It's how we're winning that is key.

As you said, we're winning with defense. While we've won early before, we haven't necessarily won with defense. That's the difference. That's the projection I'm looking at.

I'm not worried about the offense. That will come around as we continue to play more games together. They'll iron out the pecking order and other details.

[DaMplsKid]

Don't see a Game 3 thread yet. I love the back to back this early in the season. Give almost a playoff feel as you just played this team and both teams no what to expect.

I think one weakness was exposed and I am sure we all new this was going to be the case. But we are soft and Towns throwing the tantrum was more to do with the fact he was getting pushed around and physically played against. I think if the team starts winning and showing teh league they are for real he will get more star treatment.

Also, out of our big 3 we had 2 Free Throws that can't continue but also shows why Towns was crying.