Game 21: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Indiana Pacers (7:00pm Central)

[Muskies97]

Hopefully we can find a way to pry Myles Turner from the Pacers when they inevitably blow it up

[moonpie]

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[Calinks]

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Vets leading the way again. It was a crime how we brought up Wiggins, Lavine, and Towns with poor to nonexistent vet leadership. Young players needs guys like that to show them the way. We didn't value that at all outside the one year we had the corpse of KG and Tayshaun Prince playing for us.

[Wolf_Cry]

Wolves win! Shouldn't have been this difficult, but a win is a win. Can't be picky with this franchise.

We were missing 3 of our top 6 players and our 3 best defenders of the regular rotation guys.

And they were missing Myles Turner. Plus, despite what we were missing, our talent is still way better than the Pacers. I'd argue even with Turner, we'd still edge them out in that category.

[winforlose]

Wolves win! Shouldn't have been this difficult, but a win is a win. Can't be picky with this franchise.

We were missing 3 of our top 6 players and our 3 best defenders of the regular rotation guys.

And they were missing Myles Turner. Plus, despite what we were missing, our talent is still way better than the Pacers. I'd argue even with Turner, we'd still edge them out in that category.

With a healthy Warren and Turner they would have been much more dangerous. That said, Prince and Beasley both no showed, and JO only contributed on defense scoring 2 points. Combine this with Ant’s disappearing act for most of the game and we were lucky to sneak a win. I do think overall we have a slight edge in talent, but they have talent that delivers more consistently.

[D1SGRUNTL3D]

Pacers are sneaky. They’re the type that’ll bite you if you’re not prepared which half 1 they did. They’ve beaten the bulls, sixers, and jazz in the last couple of weeks. I guess the sixers didn’t have biid


I don’t think their current make up has any potential but they’re the definition of a trap team…especially if you get buried early

[shrink]

Pacers are sneaky. They’re the type that’ll bite you if you’re not prepared which half 1 they did. They’ve beaten the bulls, sixers, and jazz in the last couple of weeks. I guess the sixers didn’t have biid

I don’t think their current make up has any potential but they’re the definition of a trap team…especially if you get buried early

True, I was looking at the RealGM article on net ratings after Week 6.

Timberwolves were #11 at 1.5. The Pacers were #12 at 1.4.

The Sixers were #14, and guess who’s #13? Our next opponent ..the Wizards.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/264846/NBA-Net-Rating-Week-6-Bucks-Jump-From-No-19-To-No-7

[shrink]

Looking back on last night’s game, we were extremely lucky that Naz’ ankle sprain wasn’t severe, so he could come back into the game. When KAT fouled out, who else could have played the 5?

I hope early this morning, Finch walks into Gupta’s office and says, “We need another big, and we can’t wait.”

[winforlose]

Looking back on last night’s game, we were extremely lucky that Naz’ ankle sprain wasn’t severe, so he could come back into the game. When KAT fouled out, who else could have played the 5?

I hope early this morning, Finch walks into Gupta’s office and says, “We need another big, and we can’t wait.”

Knight, then Ant.

[FinnTheHuman]

Looking back on last night’s game, we were extremely lucky that Naz’ ankle sprain wasn’t severe, so he could come back into the game. When KAT fouled out, who else could have played the 5?

I hope early this morning, Finch walks into Gupta’s office and says, “We need another big, and we can’t wait.”

I don't think we need to do more than cut JMac for a vet min center. No team relies on their 3rd string C to be anything but a big body that can't get easily molested by the opposing C. You're overpaying that big if he's not a vet min guy.

But then again, isn't Knight able to play C minutes? He's injured so he couldn't right now, but teams usually don't have more than 3 center-sized guys anyway, you don't stockpile on centers just in case many of them get injured/fouled out, because you're supposed to be losing if the 3 guys you signed to play C can't be on the court. Knight is out, KAT and Naz are healthy, Vando can play some small ball center too in situations like last night if Naz actually had a more severe sprain.

[shrink]

Looking back on last night’s game, we were extremely lucky that Naz’ ankle sprain wasn’t severe, so he could come back into the game. When KAT fouled out, who else could have played the 5?

I hope early this morning, Finch walks into Gupta’s office and says, “We need another big, and we can’t wait.”

Knight, then Ant.

I thought you were joking, until I checked the roster for player weights.

After our centers, Ant is the heaviest guy.

[D1SGRUNTL3D]

Looking back on last night’s game, we were extremely lucky that Naz’ ankle sprain wasn’t severe, so he could come back into the game. When KAT fouled out, who else could have played the 5?

I hope early this morning, Finch walks into Gupta’s office and says, “We need another big, and we can’t wait.”

Knight, then Ant.

I thought you were joking, until I checked the roster for player weights.

After our centers, Ant is the heaviest guy.

He can be a modern day draymond green… a 6’5 center

[winforlose]

Knight, then Ant.

I thought you were joking, until I checked the roster for player weights.

After our centers, Ant is the heaviest guy.

He can be a modern day draymond green… a 6’5 center

Don’t forget he grew to inches over the summer. In theory he is 6’7 in shoes. That said, when your starting SG is your backup C something has gone very, very wrong with your roster construction. We just need size ASAP.

[Dosadi]

Attended the game last night.
Impressions.
1 - Bolmaro's defense is legit if he'll stop reaching in - and d'Lo told him to stop reaching, and he stopped. He has the foot quickness and size to be an asset. And he's just going to grow into an offensive role. He moves well w/o the ball. The 2020 draft looks outstanding.
2 - I love JO's passion and hustle. And his block was amazing to see. But his offensive limitations are severe - so severe that once any two of Jaden/Vando and PBev are healthy, I think he returns to DNP-CD land. In his defense, he was the only one that gave Brogden any trouble. But I don't think that's sufficient to get him on the floor on any regular basis if everyone is healthy.
3 - Brogden and Sabonis are true professionals. Great basketball players with a high compete level and tough as $*&#. Respect.
4 - Naz is also tough as Sh5T. Was sitting 5 feet from his ankle turn - he jumped right by me - I thought he was done for 3 - 4 weeks. But no - walked it off and contributed to the win when KAT fouled out. Enjoy him now, b/c once his contract is over, he'll get paid alot somewhere else. I'm now a huge Naz fan.
5 - d'Lo - where to start - Last year I was on the "trade d'Lo bus". Then Finch took over, and I disembarked that bus, and decided to re-evaluate after this year. Let's say this - his play down the stretch is quite impressive and obvious - what's not is what he's doing/how he's talking-leading while on the floor to the other players. Simply put, I've been really impressed recently. If he continues to play like he has the past 5 games, I don't see how he does not get the extension he wants. And that that point we find out if this year is just a contract year push or if he's the real deal - and obviously I really hope it's the latter.
6 - KAT - He's right - he's not getting calls. And Finch is working the refs hard. BUT - I honestly think the officials are awaiting him to mature, and not bitch about every call they miss. Fair? Nope. Reality? Based on what I saw on TV and last night - I think so. KAT is not flopping - he's playing hard - but it's really clear that officials are not going to show him the same respect that they do to others like Biid and, quite honestly, Sabonis to just name 2.
7 - ANT - damm, he's amazing. Even more so in person. Yet in the 4th, late in the 4th, he became enamored with the "pound the ball/then shoot/drive" - leaving very little time for any ball reversal etc - and that hurt on a couple possessions. When he is decisive in the 1/2 court, he gets to the rim. He annihilates bad defensive approaches and must do that more. One on one - defensively - he's quite good - moves his feet really well and is strong at point of contact, but still is "thinking" about off ball scheme defensive responsibilities (which is good - he clearly is trying to fit w/in scheme). PS. HE's not 6'7". I'm 6'4". He's not 3 inches bigger than me.

It took roughly 40 games to win 10 last year. Took 21 to win 10 this year. Yup, I hear y'all regarding the nature of the opponents and where the games were played (The "refs suck" chants last night were epic) - but if they get through December and are still within 2 games of .500, I'm pretty optimistic about this season finishing really strong.

[KGdaBom]

Attended the game last night.
Impressions.
1 - Bolmaro's defense is legit if he'll stop reaching in - and d'Lo told him to stop reaching, and he stopped. He has the foot quickness and size to be an asset. And he's just going to grow into an offensive role. He moves well w/o the ball. The 2020 draft looks outstanding.
2 - I love JO's passion and hustle. And his block was amazing to see. But his offensive limitations are severe - so severe that once any two of Jaden/Vando and PBev are healthy, I think he returns to DNP-CD land. In his defense, he was the only one that gave Brogden any trouble. But I don't think that's sufficient to get him on the floor on any regular basis if everyone is healthy.
3 - Brogden and Sabonis are true professionals. Great basketball players with a high compete level and tough as $*&#. Respect.
4 - Naz is also tough as Sh5T. Was sitting 5 feet from his ankle turn - he jumped right by me - I thought he was done for 3 - 4 weeks. But no - walked it off and contributed to the win when KAT fouled out. Enjoy him now, b/c once his contract is over, he'll get paid alot somewhere else. I'm now a huge Naz fan.
5 - d'Lo - where to start - Last year I was on the "trade d'Lo bus". Then Finch took over, and I disembarked that bus, and decided to re-evaluate after this year. Let's say this - his play down the stretch is quite impressive and obvious - what's not is what he's doing/how he's talking-leading while on the floor to the other players. Simply put, I've been really impressed recently. If he continues to play like he has the past 5 games, I don't see how he does not get the extension he wants. And that that point we find out if this year is just a contract year push or if he's the real deal - and obviously I really hope it's the latter.
6 - KAT - He's right - he's not getting calls. And Finch is working the refs hard. BUT - I honestly think the officials are awaiting him to mature, and not bitch about every call they miss. Fair? Nope. Reality? Based on what I saw on TV and last night - I think so. KAT is not flopping - he's playing hard - but it's really clear that officials are not going to show him the same respect that they do to others like Biid and, quite honestly, Sabonis to just name 2.
7 - ANT - damm, he's amazing. Even more so in person. Yet in the 4th, late in the 4th, he became enamored with the "pound the ball/then shoot/drive" - leaving very little time for any ball reversal etc - and that hurt on a couple possessions. When he is decisive in the 1/2 court, he gets to the rim. He annihilates bad defensive approaches and must do that more. One on one - defensively - he's quite good - moves his feet really well and is strong at point of contact, but still is "thinking" about off ball scheme defensive responsibilities (which is good - he clearly is trying to fit w/in scheme). PS. HE's not 6'7". I'm 6'4". He's not 3 inches bigger than me.

It took roughly 40 games to win 10 last year. Took 21 to win 10 this year. Yup, I hear y'all regarding the nature of the opponents and where the games were played (The "refs suck" chants last night were epic) - but if they get through December and are still within 2 games of .500, I'm pretty optimistic about this season finishing really strong.

Could somebody explain the "reaching in" foul to me. Is it a foul to simply reach in? I thought reaching in to knock the ball away was good defense as long as you just got the ball and didn't make contact with the offensive player.
Props to Rosas for that 2020 draft.

[life_saver]

I really like DLo + Naz PnR plays...they are very effective. I do wonder why we don't see more DLo + KAT PnR plays. They can be very deadly

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[FinnTheHuman]

Attended the game last night.
Impressions.
1 - Bolmaro's defense is legit if he'll stop reaching in - and d'Lo told him to stop reaching, and he stopped. He has the foot quickness and size to be an asset. And he's just going to grow into an offensive role. He moves well w/o the ball. The 2020 draft looks outstanding.
2 - I love JO's passion and hustle. And his block was amazing to see. But his offensive limitations are severe - so severe that once any two of Jaden/Vando and PBev are healthy, I think he returns to DNP-CD land. In his defense, he was the only one that gave Brogden any trouble. But I don't think that's sufficient to get him on the floor on any regular basis if everyone is healthy.
3 - Brogden and Sabonis are true professionals. Great basketball players with a high compete level and tough as $*&#. Respect.
4 - Naz is also tough as Sh5T. Was sitting 5 feet from his ankle turn - he jumped right by me - I thought he was done for 3 - 4 weeks. But no - walked it off and contributed to the win when KAT fouled out. Enjoy him now, b/c once his contract is over, he'll get paid alot somewhere else. I'm now a huge Naz fan.
5 - d'Lo - where to start - Last year I was on the "trade d'Lo bus". Then Finch took over, and I disembarked that bus, and decided to re-evaluate after this year. Let's say this - his play down the stretch is quite impressive and obvious - what's not is what he's doing/how he's talking-leading while on the floor to the other players. Simply put, I've been really impressed recently. If he continues to play like he has the past 5 games, I don't see how he does not get the extension he wants. And that that point we find out if this year is just a contract year push or if he's the real deal - and obviously I really hope it's the latter.
6 - KAT - He's right - he's not getting calls. And Finch is working the refs hard. BUT - I honestly think the officials are awaiting him to mature, and not bitch about every call they miss. Fair? Nope. Reality? Based on what I saw on TV and last night - I think so. KAT is not flopping - he's playing hard - but it's really clear that officials are not going to show him the same respect that they do to others like Biid and, quite honestly, Sabonis to just name 2.
7 - ANT - damm, he's amazing. Even more so in person. Yet in the 4th, late in the 4th, he became enamored with the "pound the ball/then shoot/drive" - leaving very little time for any ball reversal etc - and that hurt on a couple possessions. When he is decisive in the 1/2 court, he gets to the rim. He annihilates bad defensive approaches and must do that more. One on one - defensively - he's quite good - moves his feet really well and is strong at point of contact, but still is "thinking" about off ball scheme defensive responsibilities (which is good - he clearly is trying to fit w/in scheme). PS. HE's not 6'7". I'm 6'4". He's not 3 inches bigger than me.

It took roughly 40 games to win 10 last year. Took 21 to win 10 this year. Yup, I hear y'all regarding the nature of the opponents and where the games were played (The "refs suck" chants last night were epic) - but if they get through December and are still within 2 games of .500, I'm pretty optimistic about this season finishing really strong.

Could somebody explain the "reaching in" foul to me. Is it a foul to simply reach in? I thought reaching in to knock the ball away was good defense as long as you just got the ball and didn't make contact with the offensive player.
Props to Rosas for that 2020 draft.

Problem is you foul a lot of the time when reaching in, and you often can't be in a good defensive stance when you shift your center of gravity forward when reaching for the ball. How many times have you seen a defender reach in, and the ball handler recognizes it and decides to successfully cross him over right at that moment?

Most guys are not good enough at stealing the ball like that in order to justify the defensive breakdowns caused by reach ins.

[KGdaBom]

Attended the game last night.
Impressions.
1 - Bolmaro's defense is legit if he'll stop reaching in - and d'Lo told him to stop reaching, and he stopped. He has the foot quickness and size to be an asset. And he's just going to grow into an offensive role. He moves well w/o the ball. The 2020 draft looks outstanding.
2 - I love JO's passion and hustle. And his block was amazing to see. But his offensive limitations are severe - so severe that once any two of Jaden/Vando and PBev are healthy, I think he returns to DNP-CD land. In his defense, he was the only one that gave Brogden any trouble. But I don't think that's sufficient to get him on the floor on any regular basis if everyone is healthy.
3 - Brogden and Sabonis are true professionals. Great basketball players with a high compete level and tough as $*&#. Respect.
4 - Naz is also tough as Sh5T. Was sitting 5 feet from his ankle turn - he jumped right by me - I thought he was done for 3 - 4 weeks. But no - walked it off and contributed to the win when KAT fouled out. Enjoy him now, b/c once his contract is over, he'll get paid alot somewhere else. I'm now a huge Naz fan.
5 - d'Lo - where to start - Last year I was on the "trade d'Lo bus". Then Finch took over, and I disembarked that bus, and decided to re-evaluate after this year. Let's say this - his play down the stretch is quite impressive and obvious - what's not is what he's doing/how he's talking-leading while on the floor to the other players. Simply put, I've been really impressed recently. If he continues to play like he has the past 5 games, I don't see how he does not get the extension he wants. And that that point we find out if this year is just a contract year push or if he's the real deal - and obviously I really hope it's the latter.
6 - KAT - He's right - he's not getting calls. And Finch is working the refs hard. BUT - I honestly think the officials are awaiting him to mature, and not bitch about every call they miss. Fair? Nope. Reality? Based on what I saw on TV and last night - I think so. KAT is not flopping - he's playing hard - but it's really clear that officials are not going to show him the same respect that they do to others like Biid and, quite honestly, Sabonis to just name 2.
7 - ANT - damm, he's amazing. Even more so in person. Yet in the 4th, late in the 4th, he became enamored with the "pound the ball/then shoot/drive" - leaving very little time for any ball reversal etc - and that hurt on a couple possessions. When he is decisive in the 1/2 court, he gets to the rim. He annihilates bad defensive approaches and must do that more. One on one - defensively - he's quite good - moves his feet really well and is strong at point of contact, but still is "thinking" about off ball scheme defensive responsibilities (which is good - he clearly is trying to fit w/in scheme). PS. HE's not 6'7". I'm 6'4". He's not 3 inches bigger than me.

It took roughly 40 games to win 10 last year. Took 21 to win 10 this year. Yup, I hear y'all regarding the nature of the opponents and where the games were played (The "refs suck" chants last night were epic) - but if they get through December and are still within 2 games of .500, I'm pretty optimistic about this season finishing really strong.

Could somebody explain the "reaching in" foul to me. Is it a foul to simply reach in? I thought reaching in to knock the ball away was good defense as long as you just got the ball and didn't make contact with the offensive player.
Props to Rosas for that 2020 draft.

Problem is you foul a lot of the time when reaching in, and you often can't be in a good defensive stance when you shift your center of gravity forward when reaching for the ball. How many times have you seen a defender reach in, and the ball handler recognizes it and decides to successfully cross him over right at that moment?

Most guys are not good enough at stealing the ball like that in order to justify the defensive breakdowns caused by reach ins.

Thank you. So does that mean there is no foul for reaching in? It's not a real thing?

[FinnTheHuman]

I thought you were joking, until I checked the roster for player weights.

After our centers, Ant is the heaviest guy.

He can be a modern day draymond green… a 6’5 center

Don’t forget he grew to inches over the summer. In theory he is 6’7 in shoes. That said, when your starting SG is your backup C something has gone very, very wrong with your roster construction. We just need size ASAP.

It's not as dramatic as you're making it out to be tbh. Ant's our SF in our ideal starting lineup with DLo and Bev, and I mean you have a lot of cases of bulky SG/SF's being good at holding their own against centers, like Tucker or even Harden. In reality, we have what most teams have on their roster, 3 guys whose primary position is center - KAT, Naz, and Knight. If 1 is fouled out and 2 are injured, then of course the situation looks bad, but it's the same for almost every other team in the league.

[FinnTheHuman]

Could somebody explain the "reaching in" foul to me. Is it a foul to simply reach in? I thought reaching in to knock the ball away was good defense as long as you just got the ball and didn't make contact with the offensive player.
Props to Rosas for that 2020 draft.

Problem is you foul a lot of the time when reaching in, and you often can't be in a good defensive stance when you shift your center of gravity forward when reaching for the ball. How many times have you seen a defender reach in, and the ball handler recognizes it and decides to successfully cross him over right at that moment?

Most guys are not good enough at stealing the ball like that in order to justify the defensive breakdowns caused by reach ins.

Thank you. So does that mean there is no foul for reaching in? It's not a real thing?

Ofc not, it's a foul only if you hit the player's body part while reaching in.