Cavaliers 100, Wolves 98: defeat in training

Entering this game, there was a small glimmer of hope. A small ray of light in this dark era of Timberwolves basketball. After thwarting a better version of this team less than 24 hours ago, it looked like we were ready for a 2-0 winning streak.

Oh, Timberwolves. We know better than that.

It was clear from the beginning that the wolves were going to lie down to be run over. Despite leaving aside Andre Drummond and Larry Nance Jr., the wolves didn’t want the Cavs’ charity. The wolves were determined to disappoint the small fan base that remained with their anemic attack and defense. Anthony Edwards, who is still new to the “culture” of the Wolves, was not entirely in agreement with the Wolves’ plan, showing some impressive moves. He would end the game with just a 3/3/2/1 line.

Its novice counterpart, Jaden McDaniels, was also active from the start. He, along with the rest of the bank unit, maintained the offensive buzz with clear ball movement to break the Cavs zone. Something that beginners were unable to do. The Big Mac would end the game with 11 points and 4 rebounds.

It didn’t take long for the real wolves to reveal themselves. Altruism and aim dissipated as the Cavs continued to attack the painting and run through the transition. At one point, I’m sure the wolves seemed to believe that they should use a minimum of 22 seconds for each offensive possession. Saunders continued mainly with his platoon exchanges, apparently unaware that he can mix match players with bench players for more than 2 ½ minutes.

The final play of the half summed up how I think the Wolves played. With the chance to slow the clock down to less than 7 seconds and reduce the lead to 6, Russell took a questionable 3-point step back with enough time for Allen to hit the ball and escape to a sprinting Sexton, who scored a careless foul of Beasley with 2 seconds remaining. He would sink them both, and instead of trying to commit a foul or shoot a desperate shot, Russell simply took the exit, rolled up the ball with both hands, and let time expire as if they were about to win a game.Ricky would have an equally bad move to finish the third quarter)

Passive. Uninspired. Careless.

The Wolves opened the second half with a play that I don’t think I’ve ever seen a professional basketball team do. Okogie found himself without a dribble on the right block with Sexton protecting him. He literally continued to spin on his pivot foot about 5 times before doing a 6th pirouette and shooting a 13-foot fadeaway. I think this is what “coach” Saunders imagined when he (and Prigioni) installed an offense of reading and reaction. I think there is absolutely no change allowed.

I need to get this off my chest in relation to Saunders. If Michael Jordan was gone for 2 weeks, do you think Phil Jackson would continue to play the offensive triangle? If Tim Duncan was out for 2 weeks, do you think Gregg Popovich would still be playing down for Fabricio Oberto? If Nikola Jokic is out, do you think Mike Malone would have Bol Bol operating from a high post?

So, if Karl-Anthony Towns is out, the key gear for reading and reacting to the offense, why does Ryan Saunders still follow the same game plan?

While I’m writing this in the middle of the third quarter, it seems that there is no good conclusion from this one. Unless Ricky throws a lob to Ant through a dead end, this game was a complete and abject failure.

The offense was bad.

The defense was bad.

BDLO was bad.

Newbies and Jaylen Nowell.

Beasley was bad.

Ricky was in bad shape.

The big ones.

The effort was bad.

The opponent was bad.

Above all, coaching was extremely bad.

Game notes:

• The Wolves actually got a 1 point lead at the start of the 4th period because of the second string game. What did Saunders think? He returned to his classic formation of 2 shipowners. The Cavs immediately took the lead back to 8 points and never looked back. There was a wild rally to end the game, but it was a little too late, as the Cavs’ lead never reached a single possession. The final score was not indicative of the history of this game. In fact, it only features word salad fodder for Saunders to use in the press. A presser that I have no interest in hearing today.
• Naz Reid checked in early in the 2nd for the first time since last Wednesday and made his first 2 attempts at field goal. He also added 2 trebles in the 4th quarter to help the Wolves get the last advantage of the game. Overall, he was understandably defeated against defensive-minded Jarrett Allen. I hope better days ahead for him.

• Jaden McDaniels tried 2 dunks to steal souls at Javale McGee, but it was 0-2. He ended up crushing one on Allen in 4th, so I love that he’s keeping the same energy.

• Josh Okogie continues to confidently throw bricks over the edge, while he is afraid to shoot anything in the painted area. Either the hamstring problem is still bothering him or he has completely regressed. Regarding anyway. He was a worse team -12 tonight.

• I don’t think this is a hot or strange shot, but what is D’Lo if the shot is not falling? He has some passing ability when / if he chooses to activate it, but it certainly doesn’t happen in every game.

• The Cavs had an inspired effort by Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen, but Rosas’ favorite, Darius Garland, was the one who essentially froze the game with a beautiful float over Ed Davis. (Video coming in)