ChipotleWest wrote:Keep in mind that in last years playoffs Wolves were without Nazi Reid and Jaden McDaniels, and then Anderson got hurt in Game 4. Not saying they definitely would have won last year but they didn't get them at full strength like they will this year and now Ant is a year older. (still only 22)
Last year TWolves lost in play-inn game against Lakers. Against Nuggets they were blown-out in game 1, Nuggets had 20 pt lead in game 2, double diggit lead with 1:20 in game 3. After TWolves had 12 pt lead with 2:52 in game 4 Nuggets went on a run and if Jokic made free throw they would swept them. Anderson was there for all those games and 5th and 6th best players wouldn't made any difference.
Next round Suns won 2 games, were no match to Denver, Lakers were swept (with smallest point differential as they like to say), Miami was no match. In last year playoffs no one was.
This year TWolves are much better team, and can beat Denver, not because of anything from last year but beacuse
2024 Ant >>> 2023 Ant
2024 Ant+KAT+Gobert+Conely>>>2023 Ant+KAT+Gobert+Conely
2024 McDaniels >>> 2023 McDaniels
2024 Reid >>> 2024 McDaniels
TWolves young players improved, they BBIQ is better, they learned how to play with each other how to trust each other. Last year everybody wanted to choke Gobert, now he is big part of their defense AND OFFENSE. They are together in this. It takes time to build a team...