Game thread, whatever: Thunder @ Wolves

[theGreatRC]

Durant had 30+ points, but a lot of them were transition jumpers or when AK wasnt in the game. AK gave him a hard time and even drew some offensive fouls on KD..Offensively, AK wasn't much to watch, but he played within the offense and didn't force anything or make dumb plays.

[FinnTheHuman]

He turned it over 5 times tho.

[eyeteeth]

He turned it over 5 times tho.

Dude, seriously, your avatar is hypnotic.

[Swish4]

Poor AK hadda guard LeBron and Durant in succesive games. And did a yeoman's job on D.

[C.lupus]

Wolves are 6-0 now when Pek scores 20 or more.

[TwInS1095]

Shved tonight was basically what we hope Rubio can become consistently.

Seriously, i can't wait until rubio gets back too full strength. (Nowhere near it. Looks about 65-70%)

Shved as our sixth man commanding the offense in the future is going to be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shved's my favorite player. He can shoot. He can dribble. And he's almost as good of a passer as Rubio. (Almost)

Kid is going to be a star. Makes up for missing on Wings in the draft.

[shrink]

My doomsday wish?

That Laker fans will watch Pek play, and stop treating him as a throw-in for their Pau Gasol deals.

Maybe I'll get me wish! WTG Wolves!

[Klomp]

Poor AK hadda guard LeBron and Durant in succesive games. And did a yeoman's job on D.

I wish the quote was in the postgame presser video, but when I watched live, Adelman said he doesn't like having to play AK as much as he does, but he didn't want to take him out with Durant still in the game. Said he told AK "don't worry, you only have to guard Carmelo next game."

[TwInS1095]

Also, even if Rubio is nowhere near as explosive, doesn't have his handling, his shot, endurance, or anything. His energy is still infectious. His vision is infectious. Players play better, harder, pass better, move the ball better, hustle and player better defense when he is in the game. That is why Rubio is the most valuable player on the team. Not the BEST. But the most valuable.

His defense is really really good. He's great at contesting shots by getting in there space on jump shooters. His help defense is great too. he over helps and loses his man, but overall it helps the team. That's what I love about Rubio the most.



And if Kevin can become this kind of player consistently...he deserves to bash the Wolves all he wants.

The biggest thing today was his passing. It opened up everything. It opened up shots for himself. He was even able to drive. (Couldn't finish, but most teams don't have Ibaka+ he got some unlucky rolls)

If we can keep the Love/Rubio/Shved/Pek core we will be fine for years to come.

Shved is the perfect James Harden/Manu 6th man type. I really like Barea and Shved together taking turns probing and driving.

Rubio needs to be paired with, as the announcers said, a Reggie Miller type. Budinger could be perfect.

Ideally in the future...


Starting 5...

Rubio
Ridnour
Kirlenko (although he's getting old)
Love
Pek

Reserve:

Barea/Shved (hybrid's both of them)
Dante
D WIll
Stiesma in limited minutes

That should be our 10 man rotation.

Makign sure that Shved get's some time with the top guys. JJ too.

D-Will's been balling of late. I've been really happy with him last 4-5 games. He's been knocking down on his shot and getting fouled. Don't give up on him quite yet. Literally, all he needs to be a servicable player is to be able to figure out how to finish down low. He can beat his man. And he's a streaky shooter, but he can shoot.

If Love can figure out how to finish around the rim (not this season LOL) so can Williams. Hang onto him unless you get an offer you can't refuse. I have a feeling 2-3 seasons from now D-Will will suddenly become a really, really solid player.

[Klomp]

I was actually surprised that all of the announcers were being as nice to the team as they were. Definitely a management decision to tell the world the Wolves are getting better. Pretty freaking cool.

Keep in mind...

Kevin Harlan - Former Timberwolves play-by-play guy (loved the reference to the shot of Nicollet Mall, no one else would know that)
Chris Webber - Played 6.5 years under Adelman. Knows the system, and knows when its executed well.

[Vindicater]

Shved's my favorite player... And he's almost as good of a passer as Rubio. (Almost)

Nowhere near.

[eyeteeth]

I was actually surprised that all of the announcers were being as nice to the team as they were. Definitely a management decision to tell the world the Wolves are getting better. Pretty freaking cool.

Keep in mind...

Kevin Harlan - Former Timberwolves play-by-play guy (loved the reference to the shot of Nicollet Mall, no one else would know that)
Chris Webber - Played 6.5 years under Adelman. Knows the system, and knows when its executed well.

Yeah, I know all that. And Reggie Miller is a staunch advocate for small market franchises. It's just refreshing and honestly, still surprising given all of that. It's so rare to hear national level NBA commentators say anything remotely positive about the Wolves. It makes me happy.

[TwInS1095]

Shved's my favorite player... And he's almost as good of a passer as Rubio. (Almost)

Nowhere near.

Agree to disagree.


Obviously Rubio is on a different level (when he's on), but Shved brings a different level with his ability to hit the jump shot and has better driving ability than Rubio. In terms of running an offense it's not close, but did you see his behind the back/between the legs dribble to split two guys and then throw behind the head pass to Love?

Or a couple of his low-post feeds...or the ability to hit the guy in the far corner? The only other guy on the Timberwolves capable of even thinking about those passes is Rubio.

Shved might not quite have the anticipation, but he's a damn good passer.

[Vindicater]

Shved's my favorite player... And he's almost as good of a passer as Rubio. (Almost)

Nowhere near.

Agree to disagree.


Obviously Rubio is on a different level (when he's on), but Shved brings a different level with his ability to hit the jump shot and has better driving ability than Rubio. In terms of running an offense it's not close, but did you see his behind the back/between the legs dribble to split two guys and then throw behind the head pass to Love?

Or a couple of his low-post feeds...or the ability to hit the guy in the far corner? The only other guy on the Timberwolves capable of even thinking about those passes is Rubio.

Shved might not quite have the anticipation, but he's a damn good passer.

I agree he has the same level of vision and touch as Rubio. (maybe a little lower but not much)

What he lacks is the the timing and decision making.

He leaves his feet so often before making passes and it wont be long till other teams start to notice this and bait him into turnovers.

He is a great talent though so he will learn.

I just believe that Rubio is on a whole other level than Shved in terms of passing, which to be honest says more about how amazing Rubio is rather than anything bad about Shved.

[TwInS1095]

Agree to disagree.


Obviously Rubio is on a different level (when he's on), but Shved brings a different level with his ability to hit the jump shot and has better driving ability than Rubio. In terms of running an offense it's not close, but did you see his behind the back/between the legs dribble to split two guys and then throw behind the head pass to Love?

Or a couple of his low-post feeds...or the ability to hit the guy in the far corner? The only other guy on the Timberwolves capable of even thinking about those passes is Rubio.

Shved might not quite have the anticipation, but he's a damn good passer.[/quote]

I agree he has the same level of vision and touch as Rubio. (maybe a little lower but not much)

What he lacks is the the timing and decision making.

He leaves his feet so often before making passes and it wont be long till other teams start to notice this and bait him into turnovers.

He is a great talent though so he will learn.

I just believe that Rubio is on a whole other level than Shved in terms of passing, which to be honest says more about how amazing Rubio is rather than anything bad about Shved.[/quote]


Ok you win. Main point though. Shved was a diamond in the rough type find. The potential he is flashing--in all facets of the game--is impressive.

Obviously, Rubio, when he's on, is on a different level of controlling and seeing the game. Which, isn't taking away from Shved as you say, but merely highlighting the almost other worldly ability Rubio has.

Like I said Rubio is the most important piece. Love is our best player. But Rubio is the most important.

[Busch Legion]

Great game, way to end that streak wolves! Somebody get Pek some MEAT

[Esohny]

Finally got to a game tonight, and was delighted with the result. Crowd was into it pretty well, and was happy that Love looked better.

[The J Rocka]

Finally got to a game tonight, and was delighted with the result. Crowd was into it.

Definitely. Great energy tonight.

[Tirion]

I have a great idea.

Let's trade Love.

He's a douche.

[Murphs56]

I have a great idea.

Let's trade Love.

He's a douche.

IF the Wolves can beat the Mavs without Love, that must mean they could beat ANYONE! If Love didn't play tonight, the Wolves would've won by 20!