Game 6 Celtics and Timberwolves 11/6 7PM

[Nick K]

Signature win. Beat DEN, MIA, and BOS to start the season. Maybe national media was right, Towns/Gobert doesn't work but because Towns sucks. He needs to stay cool and figure it out. We need him for the remainder of the season.

I don't want to turn this amazing victory into a Towns discussion, this game was bigger than that, but I really don't think it doesn't work, I think we have shown it can. Towns' defense has been good and we just beat the best team in the NBA with what might be the worst game of Towns' career. Towns will absolutely play better than this for 90 percent of the rest of the games, this was a disaster game for him and we still won. He played horrendously on offense and was a net negative, yet he still showed up on defense. That is a major positive.

Look at this game and imagine how it would have went if Towns was average? Conversely, this should also show you that what we are building is sustainable without Towns if it does come to that. Either way, this was one of the best wins we have ever earned.

I'm taking the position of even if KAT had a subpar game, we still won because we have other players that are good to pick up the slack. WE'RE DEEP

Deep as bleep baby! Still we had guys step up when it mattered. Totally clutch like Ant and McD.

BTW, I was convinced NAW and Shake would carry us to the promised land. NOT so. So far. Then we will have real depth.

[TimberKat]

Yeah, maybe.

He was horrible in the Memphis series in 2022. He was bad in the playoffs in 2018.

He was good against Denver in game 82 in 2018.
He was horrible against the Clippers in the Play-In in 2022 (3-11, fouled out).

But yeah, the theory is Towns is something I have grasped for a while. However, the issue now is he isn't the same unicorn at PF as he was Center. At Center, Towns drew the Porzingis/Jokic/Gobert/Embiid, ect out of the paint. As a PF, the team just puts their shot blocker on Gobert, puts a strong wing on Towns and makes Towns try to beat the smaller man [He never does].

He was tremendous in the Lakers-Wolves Play In game in 2023, where Gobert, Jaden and Naz were out and Ant was like 4-20. He just tired in the fourth quarter. Ant’s problems made me think of KAT’s Play In the previous year. And Towns was good in the 2023 DEN series.

What do you think this year against DEN and MIA? I’d hoped that last year’s playoffs meant he was improving, but this last game makes me wonder.

Also I wanted to point out Towns played for so many tanking Wolves teams, with bad young players, that KAT has less experience with big games than most players his age. I am glad we are giving Ant important, winning, opportunities, so early in his career.

To follow up shrink, you are right to defend him. Let's remember Kat is being asked to do different things at a different position. He's struggling to get it there.

Give him time and cut him some slack. You guys are brutal.

What are you going to say next game when Kat kills it? You'd sound pretty pathetic ten.

I'm not saying your points aren't valid either. Just put them in perspective.

Kat is an upper echelon player no doubt.

I been one of his biggest fan and supporter (notice my handle) but we do need accountability. I don't think we are asking him to do a lot - just no stupid fouls, no arguing, and be at the right spot on D. I think his offensive options are mostly intact. We just need him to clear up the little things that seem easy. Maybe it is not easy and that is the frustrating part. Hopefully something will click soon.

[Nick K]

Something I noticed. When Rudy was on the bench late in the game and we got a couple of huge stops, he looked absolutely giddy. I think he was realizing just how great this team is on defense and this is the kind of team he has been wanting to play for all his career. Though Utah was always really good on defense, it was mostly on him. Here he is just a major piece among many other great defensive pieces. He has other defenders he can count on and that means he can do more in many ways. It's got to be incredibly exciting.

You’re killing it in this thread!

This is another great point, and I’ve noticed how much happier and more excited Gobert is in every interview too.

Yep. Calinks can be pretty good when he wants to be. Rudy looks so much more settled. They are not going to him at the basket like they used to either. I complained about that all last year as he couldn't catch a basketball below his shoulders.

They're finally asking him to do what he does best. And i think he's doing that.

[Nick K]

Amazing win! Only downside is a lot of the talk will be about how bad KAT was. Don't let that take the lead, this game was about the Timberwolves breaking through to become a good team. This is a SIGNATURE win. This is what you need to do to get to where we want to be. Took out undefeated Denver, took out undefeated Boston. Incredible.

ARRRRRRROOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absofreakinglutely.

Yea BABY!!

[shrink]

is being asked to do the same thing and is killing it

It’s more of the same excuses from all those years of losing. “Be patient” “they’re adjusting” “give it time”

No matter your position; hooking is an offensive foul, pushing off is an offensive foul, not starting vertical and slapping opponents wrist is a foul. Throwing outlet passes to nobody is a turnover.

What does any of this have to do with “position change”?

Brian is right, but I think we give Naz a pass for a lot of the same things KAT does.

[Colbinii]

Yeah, maybe.

He was horrible in the Memphis series in 2022. He was bad in the playoffs in 2018.

He was good against Denver in game 82 in 2018.
He was horrible against the Clippers in the Play-In in 2022 (3-11, fouled out).

But yeah, the theory is Towns is something I have grasped for a while. However, the issue now is he isn't the same unicorn at PF as he was Center. At Center, Towns drew the Porzingis/Jokic/Gobert/Embiid, ect out of the paint. As a PF, the team just puts their shot blocker on Gobert, puts a strong wing on Towns and makes Towns try to beat the smaller man [He never does].

He was tremendous in the Lakers-Wolves Play In game in 2023, where Gobert, Jaden and Naz were out and Ant was like 4-20. He just tired in the fourth quarter. Ant’s problems made me think of KAT’s Play In the previous year. And Towns was good in the 2023 DEN series.

What do you think this year against DEN and MIA? I’d hoped that last year’s playoffs meant he was improving, but this last game makes me wonder.

Also I wanted to point out Towns played for so many tanking Wolves teams, with bad young players, that KAT has less experience with big games than most players his age. I am glad we are giving Ant important, winning, opportunities, so early in his career.

To follow up shrink, you are right to defend him. Let's remember Kat is being asked to do different things at a different position. He's struggling to get it there.

What makes you think he will get there?

Give him time and cut him some slack. You guys are brutal.

I'm really not brutal. I defend KAT all the time on the Non-Wolves board. Just ask Shrink about me posting all his Ortg and On/Off on the T&T board.

What are you going to say next game when Kat kills it? You'd sound pretty pathetic ten.

Why? He is talented enough to have good games. That isn't KAT's issue.

My main gripe is that KAT's unicorn-esque playstyle and skill-set is maximized at the 5. It is impossible to argue against that.

The counterpoint would be that KAT is better than any other player we could trade him for, and I think that is where I would also agree.

However, I think there is a chance where we can trade him for different assets and then acquire an upgrade, 1 step back and 2 steps forward.

I understand the idea of keeping KAT. I understand his upside and skill-set is ultra-desirable. I also understand his weakness, which often magnify on the largest stage.

[Colbinii]

is being asked to do the same thing and is killing it

It’s more of the same excuses from all those years of losing. “Be patient” “they’re adjusting” “give it time”

No matter your position; hooking is an offensive foul, pushing off is an offensive foul, not starting vertical and slapping opponents wrist is a foul. Throwing outlet passes to nobody is a turnover.

What does any of this have to do with “position change”?

Brian is right, but I think we give Naz a pass for a lot of the same things KAT does.

Naz isn't paid $35 Million nor did he sign a MAXIMUM EXTENSION.

I would never hold them to the same standard when one makes ~10% of the cap and the other is about to be making 35% of the cap.

[m2002brian]

He was tremendous in the Lakers-Wolves Play In game in 2023, where Gobert, Jaden and Naz were out and Ant was like 4-20. He just tired in the fourth quarter. Ant’s problems made me think of KAT’s Play In the previous year. And Towns was good in the 2023 DEN series.

What do you think this year against DEN and MIA? I’d hoped that last year’s playoffs meant he was improving, but this last game makes me wonder.

Also I wanted to point out Towns played for so many tanking Wolves teams, with bad young players, that KAT has less experience with big games than most players his age. I am glad we are giving Ant important, winning, opportunities, so early in his career.

To follow up shrink, you are right to defend him. Let's remember Kat is being asked to do different things at a different position. He's struggling to get it there.

Give him time and cut him some slack. You guys are brutal.

What are you going to say next game when Kat kills it? You'd sound pretty pathetic ten.

I'm not saying your points aren't valid either. Just put them in perspective.

Kat is an upper echelon player no doubt.

I been one of his biggest fan and supporter (notice my handle) but we do need accountability. I don't think we are asking him to do a lot - just no stupid fouls, no arguing, and be at the right spot on D. I think his offensive options are mostly intact. We just need him to clear up the little things that seem easy. Maybe it is not easy and that is the frustrating part. Hopefully something will click soon.

He just needs to slow down sometimes. He reminds me of my kid when his friends come over. Mentally jacked up and loses all focus and ability to process what is the right thing to do at the right time. Trying to do too much too fast.

Breathe, relax, and just play within yourself. Make the simple pass, take the open shot.

[D1SGRUNTL3D]

My hands still hurt fro clapping

[Murphs56]

Read on Twitter

Very Very Cool

[TimberKat]

To follow up shrink, you are right to defend him. Let's remember Kat is being asked to do different things at a different position. He's struggling to get it there.

Give him time and cut him some slack. You guys are brutal.

What are you going to say next game when Kat kills it? You'd sound pretty pathetic ten.

I'm not saying your points aren't valid either. Just put them in perspective.

Kat is an upper echelon player no doubt.

I been one of his biggest fan and supporter (notice my handle) but we do need accountability. I don't think we are asking him to do a lot - just no stupid fouls, no arguing, and be at the right spot on D. I think his offensive options are mostly intact. We just need him to clear up the little things that seem easy. Maybe it is not easy and that is the frustrating part. Hopefully something will click soon.

He just needs to slow down sometimes. He reminds me of my kid when his friends come over. Mentally jacked up and loses all focus and ability to process what is the right thing to do at the right time. Trying to do too much too fast.

Breathe, relax, and just play within yourself. Make the simple pass, take the open shot.

Yes, inner peace.

[shrink]

They're finally asking him to do what he does best. And i think he's doing that.

That’s a great point too.

When Gobert arrived, he said he could do more, and Finch rolled with it, and it didn’t work. This season he’s been asked to stick more to the things he’s dominated the NBA with for years. Maybe that’s the key, maybe it’s just health, but Rudy looks so much better this season.

Interestingly, it was a different story for Mike Conley. He said when he arrived, he thought his role would be to bring the ball up, then just wait in the corner to shoot a three. He thought that’s what 36 year olds do. Finch also asked him to do more, and he loved it - he said that rejuvenated his career, and we have definitely benefited from it!

My point here is that we need to look at last season not as a disappointment from our high, early season expectations. We need to look at it as a trial run, where we figured out how the team could come together. I think we will continue to reap those benefits this year.

[shrink]

It’s more of the same excuses from all those years of losing. “Be patient” “they’re adjusting” “give it time”

No matter your position; hooking is an offensive foul, pushing off is an offensive foul, not starting vertical and slapping opponents wrist is a foul. Throwing outlet passes to nobody is a turnover.

What does any of this have to do with “position change”?

Brian is right, but I think we give Naz a pass for a lot of the same things KAT does.

Naz isn't paid $35 Million nor did he sign a MAXIMUM EXTENSION.

I would never hold them to the same standard when one makes ~10% of the cap and the other is about to be making 35% of the cap.

If making unnecessary fouls is a bad basketball move, it’s a bad basketball move, regardless of your salary.

Read what I said. I think we give Naz a pass, and you are proving my point, justifying WHY you give him a pass.

[m2002brian]

Brian is right, but I think we give Naz a pass for a lot of the same things KAT does.

Naz isn't paid $35 Million nor did he sign a MAXIMUM EXTENSION.

I would never hold them to the same standard when one makes ~10% of the cap and the other is about to be making 35% of the cap.

If making unnecessary fouls is a bad basketball move, it’s a bad basketball move, regardless of your salary.

Read what I said. I think we give Naz a pass, and you are proving my point, justifying WHY you give him a pass.

I think it’s more to the effect that Naz was undrafted and worked his ass of to where his is. That garners a ton of respect.
KAT is a former #1 overall pick who is losing his **** and not meeting the moment. His attitude is mentally draining.

Who in all life, not just basketball, do we give passes to?
The ones we respect and admire.

[shrink]

I wanted to give credit to the Celtics mod bisme, who entitled their post game thread

“Gentleman Celtics Agree To Not Win Every Game! Loss vs MIN 11/6 “

Awesome!

But more than anything I thought the Wolves defense was excellent and a good opponent just played a little better than we did tonight. I'm not used to such a tough game vs Minny so credit to them.

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2330602

[Note30]

This is weird. I can't remember the last time we played a game like this and actually won.

Are we finally actually good?

[80HD]

Ant’s playmaking ability is light-years better than last year. He’s really starting to put it all together.

[Nick K]

He was tremendous in the Lakers-Wolves Play In game in 2023, where Gobert, Jaden and Naz were out and Ant was like 4-20. He just tired in the fourth quarter. Ant’s problems made me think of KAT’s Play In the previous year. And Towns was good in the 2023 DEN series.

What do you think this year against DEN and MIA? I’d hoped that last year’s playoffs meant he was improving, but this last game makes me wonder.

Also I wanted to point out Towns played for so many tanking Wolves teams, with bad young players, that KAT has less experience with big games than most players his age. I am glad we are giving Ant important, winning, opportunities, so early in his career.

To follow up shrink, you are right to defend him. Let's remember Kat is being asked to do different things at a different position. He's struggling to get it there.

Give him time and cut him some slack. You guys are brutal.

What are you going to say next game when Kat kills it? You'd sound pretty pathetic ten.

I'm not saying your points aren't valid either. Just put them in perspective.

Kat is an upper echelon player no doubt.

Naz is being asked to do the same thing and is killing it

No he isn't!

It's light years different. Kat got 3 ticky fouls on him right away which took him out of the game! That was the biggest problem. Look.. Towns could fart and they'd call a foul on him. I agree Towns is his worst enemy. Nevertheless.

The roll is totally different too.

[KGdaBom]

Brian is right, but I think we give Naz a pass for a lot of the same things KAT does.

Naz isn't paid $35 Million nor did he sign a MAXIMUM EXTENSION.

I would never hold them to the same standard when one makes ~10% of the cap and the other is about to be making 35% of the cap.

If making unnecessary fouls is a bad basketball move, it’s a bad basketball move, regardless of your salary.

Read what I said. I think we give Naz a pass, and you are proving my point, justifying WHY you give him a pass.

Whatever salary we have the players signed for it's spent money and nothing is going to change. I hold every wolves player to the same standard. Play as well as you can and help us win games.

[Dalvin]

Is this a finals preview?