Game 7 Pelicans at Wolves 11/8/23

[Folklore]

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.

So only Towns critics can point out the obvious now? People on here have gone to extremes now. The cult is spreading.

[MN7725]

startling to see Rudy's statline
17 pts on 5 FGA, 20 rebs

I think they should look to him more even with his awkwardness and poor ball skills

defenses are always going to react when a giant person has the ball in paint, but you'd hope that Rudy would have the awareness to kick it out right away if he doesn't have a clear drive to the basket, or like a simple drop step move

him putting the ball on the floor or trying anything back to basket is just a low % play

but its almost like he gets the ball so rarely that he's a bit of a black hole, even though hes not a selfish player

[Folklore]

Oh man, just can't hold NOP to under 100 but it a great win

Yeah I'm not liking our bench. We need taller and athletic guys like Miller. I know its our deep bench but other teams throw their bench out there and they score like they're hungry for minutes.

[TimberKat]

Gobert only credited with two blocks but I feel like he has more and certainly changed a lot more shots. To me, this is the biggest difference from last year. We are finally seeing what a DPOY looks like and how that can impact a game.

[Neeva]

I predict Rudy will win DPOY again.

[shrink]

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.

Why would people who are critical of Towns last game be critical this game?

It is like I can be objective and be hyper-critical in big games and then realize he played better. Nobody said Towns sucks anyways--even his critics admit he is a good player.

I’ve been reading a lot of boards, and I don’t believe that people everywhere fairly evaluate Towns. He’s an easy player to dislike, particularly for casual fans, with his weird comments and arguing with refs. Some people look for reasons to further their belief that “Towns sucks.” That was a fair criticism last game,it wouldn’t be a fair criticism this game, even though he fouled out.

[shrink]

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.

So only Towns critics can point out the obvious now? People on here have gone to extremes now. The cult is spreading.

Kind of making my point there, Folklore

[shrink]

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.

[Nick K]

Haven't felt this good about a Wolves team since 04

That means something. I'm not willing to say it for I'll Jynx them. Carry on!

[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.

[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.

[shrink]

I’ve been reading a lot of boards, and I don’t believe that people everywhere fairly evaluate Towns. He’s an easy player to dislike, particularly for casual fans, with his weird comments and arguing with refs. Some people look for reasons to further their belief that “Towns sucks.” That was a fair criticism last game, it wouldn’t be a fair criticism this game, even though he fouled out.

I would also add that it’s not just national media who behaves like this. I don’t know how many of you listen to the Flagrant Howls podcast, but Phil Mackey for years has been such an anti-Towns zealot that Ant’s people in Vegas this summer asked him to tone down his attacks on KAT. I listened to his podcast about the BOS game. There was plenty to be happy about - it was one of the Wolves best wins in franchise history. I expected maybe five minutes ragging on Towns (which KAT deserved), and five minutes each on the many stars of the game, for an overall happy podcast.

What I got was about five minutes at the start of happiness, and 20-25 criticizing Towns for the game, his career, and as a person. At one point, Mackey got so excited he was raising his voice, and had to apologize to his co-host Kyle Tighe (who does a decent job and is pretty fair).

I wonder sometime about the mentality of people who see a game like BOS, and can’t enjoy the team win. Sure, being critical is fine when it is deserved, and again, Towns deserved criticism, but man - also celebrate the joy of that win, and what it means for the team’s future!

[shrink]

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 think if you re-read my post, you’ll see I’m not disagreeing with you.

[vtime]

Gobert was 9/12 on fts. Been well over 70% all year except the Boston game.

[KGdaBom]

Ant with 8 assists in the first half. This bodes very well for our season and future.

And zero in the second half dampening my enthusiasm.

[KGdaBom]

We are beating the bad teams guys...We are beating the good teams guys...

Are we...legit?

Yes and I'm going to pat myself on the back here for calling it.

[KGdaBom]

We are beating the bad teams guys...We are beating the good teams guys...

Are we...legit?

WE still suck on the road Let's see how we handle the long road trip coming up.

Yes. We need to show we can win anywhere.

[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 think if you re-read my post, you’ll see I’m not disagreeing with you.

By no means was I disagreeing with you or thinking that you were. I was just sharing my thoughts from the game. I’m happy with the teams start so far.

As well as they’ve played, I still don’t think we’ve seen their best yet. Which is quite scary if you consider that Towns isn’t operating at peak capacity, as well as some key bench guys.

[shrink]

How do I give you an “And 2?” Our ceiling? …wow!

[TimberKat]

Ant with 8 assists in the first half. This bodes very well for our season and future.

And zero in the second half dampening my enthusiasm.

Yes, he took a step back in the second half but first half was MVP stuff.