Whoa. We actually looked like a real flesh and blood NBA team tonight. How refreshing! Granted, I think part of it was the usual fare for a Lakers vs. TWolves tilt; namely that the Lakers are mostly dis-interested and lackadaisical for most of the game, only to turn it on and do just enough to beat us at the end. We know they are infinitely more talented than us. They know they are infinitely more talented than us. And they are at home… and we stink on the road… and and and. But at least we played some solid ball. I give the Pups credit for not just lying down and dying against the defending champs, especially coming off 5 consecutive losses. I actually enjoyed watching this game tonight, for only the 2nd time this season.
No matter how you slice it, the Wolves looked pretty good tonight. Well, I take that back. Some of our guys had some great moments individually, but you aren’t going to beat anyone when committing 25 turnovers, 21 fouls, and shooting less than 40% for the game from the field. Continuing our season of ineptitude from the field, the Wolves indeed shot only 38% from the field tonight. That probably won’t get it done against the Sioux Falls Skyforce, let alone the undefeated defending champion Lakers at Staples.
Here’s to hoping we can build on this effort tomorrow night in Sacramento… and maybe, just maybe, get our first road win this season? (Ok, let’s not ask for too much all at once.) I just can’t in good conscience predict a Wolves win against the Kings. I probably would though if it wasn’t a back-to-back, AND on the road. We couldn’t beat the Kings the first game of the season, and now they have Tyreke back. Tyreke is really good. And we have literally no one to stop him, with our PG’s being Telfair and Mo Ager. (Stabs self in eye.)
Fun Fact: KLove was the first TWolf since KG to go for 20 points/20 rebs/5 assists in a game. KG did it 18 times.
Some talking points about what went right tonight:
– KLove with 38 minutes, going for 23 points and 24 boards (career high!)
– Actually, finally all our starters actually playing real legitimate, honest to god “starter’s minutes.” About time Coach Rhombus.
– Beasley doing his thing and scoring some points, although would it kill him to take it hard to the hoop more often?
– 26 offensive rebounds! That almost makes up for the 25 turnovers, 21 fouls, and 38% FG shooting. KLove with 11 O-boards by himself.
– We out-rebounded the Lakers 54 to 42.
– Telfair looked decent enough running point. He hit three 3’s and had 9 assists in 39 minutes. Too bad he didn’t have a serviceable backup.
– Darko is alive! He played his best overall game this season, going for 10 points, 7 boards, and 2 each of assists/steals/blocks. On top of that he played very solid defense. If we can get this every game from him (honestly, that’s not too much to ask) then his contract will be a steal. And hopefully it will shut up national media writers like Chad Fraud and John Hollinger. For any of you that didn’t know, J-Holl called Darko the worst FA signing this off-season, and the 2nd worst rotation player in the NBA so far this season. He’s clearly not that bad, and his contract is nowhere near terrible, or franchise crippling. Screw you Hollinger. Douche.
Some talking points about what went wrong tonight:
– 25 turnovers!!!
– 38% shooting from the field.
– KLove still had some bad defensive lapses. And he’s just undermanned defensively against guys like Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. But his defense isn’t good overall.
– Beasley doing his thing and scoring some points, although would it kill him to take it hard to the hoop more often?
– Our bench was putrid and didn’t provide much of anything, although this could have been because our starters FINALLY played “starter’s minutes.”
– Telfair looked decent enough running point. He hit three 3’s and had 9 assists in 39 minutes. Too bad he didn’t have a serviceable backup.
– Speaking of backup PG… Mo Ager is our backup right now (due to Telfair and Ridnour’s injuries.) Disgusting.
– I thought Wes Johnson looked really good during the game and appeared to play solid defense, unfortunately the stats look pretty bad. Just 7 points on 3 of 11 shooting, with 4 rebounds, 3 turnovers, and 5 fouls.
– Kobe/Gasol/Odom… they are just too good for us when they are actually trying to beat us.
– Pekovic only 1 minute? Kosta Koufos The Doofus 9 minutes? What the heck Rhombus? MAKE THINGS RIGHT.