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Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 7:59 am
by Klomp
Here's something that will stun any Timberwolves fan who suffered through that 15-victory season a year ago.
Their team returned to practice at Target Center on Friday after a long flight back home from Europe and coach Kurt Rambis said the most memorable part of preseason games in London against the Lakers and Paris against the Knicks was ... the Wolves defense?
Even New York forward Amare Stoudemire was surprised by his opponent's defensive intensity. "We're not used to seeing that in preseason," he said.
Inconceivable.
"I'm proud of that," Wolves forward Michael Beasley said. "I think my guys are proud of that. You want to send a message that we're here to play. I'm not saying we're going to win every game, but it's not going to be easy [for opponents] at all."
Last season, the Wolves surrendered 100 points or more in 57 of 82 games. They also allowed 120 points or more 15 times and set a franchise record by giving up 152 points in a game against Phoenix.
Granted, it's just preseason and Kobe Bryant barely played Monday, but ... the Wolves held the Lakers to 44 percent shooting and the Knicks to 40 percent.
"That's where we want to be," said Rambis, who has challenged his team to hold every opponent under 45 percent shooting in games. "The team is hungry and they want to win, and we've been stressing that defense is a huge component whether we win ballgames."
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/104606234.html
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 8:38 am
by Devilzsidewalk
backhanded compliment by Amar'e but whatever. Love having some long athletic wings and a couple 7 footers on the roster
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 8:48 am
by Devilzsidewalk
its early so I reserve the right to change opinion several dozen times between now and then, but i think if Rubio finally comes over next year, Kahn can start collecting apologies in earnest, myself included. Everytime I look at the roster, it seems to make a lot of sense. Whats really missing is an elite ball handler/distributor PG for our shooter wings that are a little short on off the dribble moves.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 10:09 am
by shangrila
Devilzsidewalk wrote:its early so I reserve the right to change opinion several dozen times between now and then, but i think if Rubio finally comes over next year, Kahn can start collecting apologies in earnest, myself included. Everytime I look at the roster, it seems to make a lot of sense. Whats really missing is an elite ball handler/distributor PG for our shooter wings that are a little short on off the dribble moves.
If the team shows improvement in any area I agree completely. It's ridiculous how quickly the team went from a bunch of mismashed talents to something that looks like a cohesive unit so far. Kahn deserves full credit for that.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:58 pm
by C.lupus
Kahn deserves credit but Rambis does, also.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:03 pm
by Basti
Guys, can we please wait at least 15-20 games into the actual season before handing out any compliments? I can recall a similar fantastic pre-season two or three years ago (I think our record was 7-1 or something) only to see them suck once again.
I'd love to be as enthusiastic and optimistic as some of you guys are but we're talking about the freaking Minnesota Timberwolves. You know there will be something that crushes our collective hopes.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:11 pm
by C.lupus
Who let Debbie Downer into this party?
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:13 pm
by Basti
Us pessimistic Germans sure know how to crash and ruin a party, no?
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:26 pm
by Esohny
basti wrote:Us pessimistic Germans sure know how to crash and ruin a party, no?
Nice marmot.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:30 pm
by Flash4thewin
Granted its just the preseason but who cares. This team has made a huge jump from where they were last season. I have a feeling this team will surprise allot of people this season
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 5:59 pm
by Peezo
I don't think there is a problem giving complements for the restructure. I agree that they haven't proven anything yet but we are younger, cheaper, and seemingly more talented. That is praiseworthy.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 6:04 pm
by Devilzsidewalk
the big thing I'm seeing right off the bat is there's outgoing personalities and it feels fun. Previous couple teams felt like big wet blankets. Beasley/Wes/Flynn/Love/Brewer is a ton of positivity.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 6:19 pm
by Basti
Look, I'm not doubting there are signs of positivity but I'd wait a while before making any conclusions.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 10:58 pm
by Devilzsidewalk
nah
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sat Oct 9, 2010 11:36 pm
by Peezo
I think the best way to look at it is just that there is a lot more excitement about this team and FROM this team.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 8:31 pm
by zauchary
I would say that it's Rambis, and probably Ranzone as well, that deserve most of the credit for having the right personnel. I will give Kahn all the credit for making us relevant again by running his mouth and making things interesting. Maybe he's an idiot, maybe its mad genius. I think it a little bit of both.
Re: Bringing the Intensity
Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:14 pm
by eyeteeth
Peezo wrote:I think the best way to look at it is just that there is a lot more excitement about this team and FROM this team.
+1