Last season, the Wolves season did not really jumpstart until late December/early January. But maybe after a similar slow start as last season the Wolves are finally ready to get things going for this year. The most impressive thing about the road trip is that they played these teams while almost every opponent ,except Golden State of course, was as hot as they can possibly be.....The Wolves ended the Kings 7-game win streak in Arco, one of the toughest arena to go in a win at. Then the Wolves slowed down the high powered Suns and ended their 9-game win strak. And came on a 2nd game of a back to back & ended the Clippers 5-game win streak, when the Clippers didnt seem to want to give up in that game on Saturday. We seen the 1st real signs of Sudden Sam all year, with his 4th quarter performances against the Kings, Suns & overtime vs Clippers. He had that look in his face like he wasnt going to let the Wolves drop any of those games. And KG finally had that consistent help he had been looking for at the start of the year. Eddie Griffin had a strong road trip as well. 20pts in the Sacromento game, 14rebounds and some key 2nd half plays in the Suns game, most notably to me was the and one dunk of the KG pass in the 3rd quarter, when the Wolves started to fade a bit. That really helped them stay in it. Then he finished the road trip up with a double 13pts & 11rebs. I think that was big because it kind of secures the fact that the Wolves have another legitmate bigbody who can produce besides KG. And I think thats going to be big for the Wolves having another frontcourt scoring option. But I think the biggest plus maybe the fact of how the Wolves got to the free throw line. As we all know the Wolves are a great free throw team % wise Cassell, Sprewell, Wally, Fred etc are all high % shooters at the line. The problem is the Wolves never get to the strip and you can often see when the Wolves lose the difference being shown at the line with the opponents having the dreaded +10 in free throw attempts & makes. While the Wolves got out shot at the line in 2 of the 4 games, their was never that +10 difference between them and any of their opponents at the free throw line. The Wolves were more willing to try & get in the lane this road trip. And it resulted in a higher # of free attempts then we normally see from this team. And as we all know when the Wolves keep it close at the line they are hard to beat. So when we look back at what point the Wolves 1st jumpstarted their 04-05 season, I think we may look back at this road trip. What did you guys like about what you saw from the Wolves this road trip? What changes still need to be made as a team even after this strong road trip? feel free to discuss in this thread
I think the wolves have really started to pull it together. Sam is finding his shot, and his game. Griffin is contributing solidly off teh bench along with hoiberg and hassel. Hudson can still be a little wild and inconsistent, but he still provides the boost needed. KG is consistently amazing, spree is doing ok and so is wally. I feel there is room for improvement in spree's and wally's games, particularly wally's. I think this is the feel the wolves have been searching for and i believe the wolves will go on a very good wins-loss ratio from here.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">What did you guys like about what you saw from the Wolves this road trip? What changes still need to be made as a team even after this strong road trip? feel free to discuss in this thread </div> Great summary Henacy! It was about time someone started a new thread in here, it's gone quite and nothing really to discuss but we can always count on you! I liked what I've read about Griffin, he seems to be exactly the player we needed and he provides us with great rebounding and some scoring off the bench. But we're still missing a somewhat productive Starting C, Kandiman showed some promise during Preseason and the first few games but since then he was a non-factor. I doubt we can achieve anything without a defensive orientated C who can control some of the bigger bodies in the paint and take some pressure off of KG. Madsen is too small and Johnson to old for that. Or do you think this could Griffin provide?
Very well written and explained breakdown of their roadtrip Henacy. Personally I didnt look that much into but looking at it again in a little more detail hopefully this will be a better start to the season for the Wolves. Anyone who watches Garnett knows he gets better as get rolls along during the game, buliding up a sweat early in the game, and I think it follows through with the season as well, always starting slow and getting stronger and stronger. Hopefully they can start steamrolling the teams they are supposed to beat and use these roadtrips as confidence buliders.
You remember that last year, one of the biggest problems that the Wolves had was getting to the stripe. Give credit where credit is due, the difference has been the amount that KG and Wally get into the paint (especially when Wally drives). If the Wolves can continue hitting the OPEN shots and getting to the stripe, I feel it could be a special season. We still need help some offense from the center position. I don't have many problems with Kandi's defense (he does block some shots), but what I do have is he gets called for dumb fouls and he still just doesn't seem to care. With every team looking for a dominant Center, Kandi is better half the other 5's I guess. Well, we already got him. Who would you take in his place <u>THAT WOULD BE FEASIBLE</u>.
i honestly think, with Eddie Griffin, he is he final piece that can bring the wolves to the finals. Consistent fire power off the bench. Him with Hassell Hoiberg Olowakandi and Hudson bring at you many different options off the bench. I Actually like Madsen starting over Olowakandi. I Predict Wolve Pistons in the FInals. Wolves win in 6.
