Cavaliers 100, Wolves 98: Coach Defeat

Entering this game there was a little silver lining. A little burst of light in this dark, gloomy 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 streak.

Oh, Timberwolves. We know better than that.

It was clear from the start that the wolves were going to lie down to get run over. Despite the absence of Andre Drummond and Larry Nance Jr., the wolves did not want the charity of the Cavs. Wolves were determined to disappoint the small fanbase that remained with their anemic attack and defense. Anthony Edwards, who is still new to this Wolves’ culture ‘, didn’t quite agree with Wolves’ plan showing some impressive pieces. He would end the match with just a 13/3/2/1 line.

His rookie counterpart, Jaden McDaniels, was also active at the start. He, along with the rest of the bench unit, kept the attack going, buzzing with a crisp ball movement to break through the Cavs’ zone. Something newbies couldn’t do. Big Mac would end the game with 11 points and 4 rebounds.

It didn’t take long for the real wolves to reveal themselves. The disinterest and marksmanship wore off as the Cavs continued to attack the paint and run in transition. At one point, I’m pretty sure Wolves seemed to believe they needed to use a minimum of 22 seconds for each offensive possession. Saunders continued to ride mostly with his squad swaps, seemingly unaware that he can mix starters with bench players for more than 2.5 minutes.

The final half-time game summed up how I think Wolves played. With a chance to cut the clock to under 7 seconds and reduce the lead to 6, Russell took a questionable 3 point drop with enough time for the Allen to bounce the ball off and land a Sexton in streak, which drew a reckless foul from Beasley with 2 seconds remaining. He was sinking both and instead of trying to coax a foul or get shot, Russell would simply take the exit, wrap the ball around with both hands and let time pass as if they were about to kick the ball. win a match (Ricky would have an equally bad game to finish the 3rd quarter).

Passive. Without inspiration. Negligent.

Wolves opened the second half with play I don’t think I’ve ever seen on a professional basketball team. Okogie ended up dribbling on the right block with Sexton guarding him. He continued to literally turn on his pivot foot about 5 times before taking a 6th spin and pulling a 13 foot fadeaway. I guess that’s what “Coach” Saunders envisioned when he (and Prigioni) set up a read and react offense. I imagine there is absolutely no way to get away from it.

I have to get this off my chest regarding Saunders. If Michael Jordan was out for 2 weeks, do you think Phil Jackson would continue to launch the triangular attack? If Tim Duncan was away for 2 weeks, do you think Gregg Popovich would still drop him to Fabricio Oberto? If Nikola Jokic is absent, do you think Mike Malone would Bol Bol operate out of the high post?

So if Karl-Anthony Towns is out, the key cog in this read and react offense, Why does Ryan Saunders always roll with the same game plan?

As I write this midway through Q3, there doesn’t seem to be any good things to take away from this one. Unless Ricky lobed at Ant for an alley between the legs, this game was a complete and abject failure.

The offense was bad.

The defense was bad.

BDLO was bad.

The rookies and Jaylen Nowell.

Beasley was bad.

Ricky was bad.

The big ones.

The effort was bad.

The opponent was bad.

Above all, coaching was extremely bad.

Play Notes:

• Wolves actually took a 1 point lead at the start of the 4th quarter because of the play of the second string. What did Saunders think? He returned to his classic 2 point guard alignment. The Cavs immediately resumed an 8-point lead and never looked back. There was a wild rally to end the game, but it was too little too late as the Cavs’ lead never came in a single possession. The final score was not indicative of the history of this match. If anything, it just presents salad dressing for Saunders to use in the presser. A presser that I have no interest in listening to today.
• Naz Reid showed up at the start of the 2nd for the first time since last Wednesday and made his first 2 field goal attempts. He also added 2 trebles in the 4th quarter to help Wolves take their final lead of the game. Overall he was naturally outmatched against Jarrett Allen, a defensive mind. I expect better days for him.

• Jaden McDaniels attempted 2 Soul Stealing Dunks on Javale McGee, but went 0-2. He ended up crushing one on Allen in the 4th so I love that he keeps that same energy.

• Josh Okogie continues to confidently toss bricks over the edge while being completely afraid of shooting anything into the painted area. Either his hamstring problem is still bothering him or he has regressed completely. Anyway. He was the worst of the U12 team tonight.

• I don’t think it’s a hot or peculiar take, but what is D’Lo if his shot doesn’t drop? He has a few pass chops when / if he chooses to activate it, but that certainly doesn’t happen in every game.

• The Cavs got an inspired effort from Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen, but Rosas favorite Darius Garland was the one who essentially froze the game with a nice float over Ed Davis. (Incoming video)