Wolves vs Pacers 2/20/09 game thread

[shrink]

Well, MIN's winning January came not just when McHale started coaching, but when Mike Miller returned from injury. Miller was unable to play more than 30 minutes until his ankles grew stronger.

And I believe that he is making a big contribution, even without the points.

I may have posted this before, since it struck me, but here's the projected Wins Produced after 51 games:

13.2 Al Jefferson
10.3 Kevin Love
9.2 Mike Miller
2.8 Randy Foye

http://www.wagesofwins.com/TWolves510809.html

I think its interesting that people say that Mike Miller is soso much worse this year than last. His most notable decline has been in 3P%, but his FG% pf 47.7% is 16 points above his career averages. He's missing more of his 3-pointers, so he's taking less. His RPG, APG, and BPG are all up.

I think casual fans get all hung up on Mike Miller as a scorer, and his scoring is down. However, his TO's aren't up, and his overall FG% is higher, so he's getting the ball to other people to take those shots. Miller is more than a scorer .. he may be our team's more versatile player, and as the numbers show, he helps the team greatly with the collection of skills he brings to the floor.

[casey]

I didn't watch the game tonight, but 40 minutes for Mike Miller? Someone needs to let Mchale know the trade deadline has passed, he missed his opportunity to showcase Mitchell SD's favorite son.

Maybe he played Miller because he's a better player than Carney or any of the other **** wings who come off the bench for the Wolves? Miller helps the team even when he's not shooting, don't get all the hate for him.

You seem to be implying that there are times when he does shoot the ball.

[deeney0]

I guess my frustration stems from the fact that when the Wolves were winning after Christmas, Miller was being used less. All that has changed now is Al's injury. I understand the impulse that the Wolves need to "omgzorz fill Al's scoring void with more of veteran scorer Mike Miller." But I don't agree with it. Wolves bench was severely underutilized last night, even though they probably played quite crappily (still haven't watched. This afternoon maybe.)