<u>Game Details.:</u> [40-16] @ [29-26] Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI Tuesday, Feb 24th, 8:00 pm EST Series: Timberwolves lead 1-0 Head Coaches Flip Saunders vs Terry Porter Probable Starters PG: vs. Cassell vs. Ford SG: vs. Sprewell vs. Redd SF: vs. Hassell vs Mason PF: vs. Garnett vs. Smith C: vs. Olowokandi vs Skinner Players to Watch vs. Crafty verteran verses the new and up and coming youngin'. Look for Cassell to exploit the rookie, especially against his old team. Keys to the Game <u>Minnesota:</u> <ul> [*] Keep Redd from going off at home. When the Bucks get rolling at home they are hard to stop. [*] Limit K. Van Horn's effectivness off the bench, do not let him get started. [*] Get the ball to Kevin Garnett. Do the Bucks actually think they can play Garnett with Joe Smith or Brian Skinner. Expect a lot of double teams on Kevin and capatalize on open jumpers. [/list] <u>Milwaukee:</u> <ul> [*] Work that magic that the Bucks seem to have at home. The Bucks must realize that they are capable of beating anyone, and at home they have proven they can run with just about anyone. [*] Limit one of the Big 3. It sounds generic but the Bucks simply can not win if they let Garnett, Sprewell and Cassell all get theirs. They simply do not have enough weapons. [/list]
I have'nt followed alot of Bucks games and wonder who is more lethal? Redd or Mason. We have to love the 4 matchup. I personally didn't want J. Smith to leave (not because of his benefits to the team, but because I've met him and he's extremely nice). He was asked to do what Hassell is doing (hit the open shot), but couldn't do it consistently. We have a helluva win percentage against the Bucks and I believe we will take this one. The Wolves need to learn to have "Killer Instinct". They've had it against the Bulls in recent years (beating them by 40-50 points). They need to speak to some of the players from the early Dream Teams.
The game is at Milwaukee, who still remains to be one of the BEST home teams in the NBA right now? And they have Keith Van Horn playing? And threats in Redd and Mason? Unless the Kandiman and KG combine for some ungodly numbers, I don't think the Wolves in will this one. Bucks by 6.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Bucks take this one Already beat west elite teams like San Antonio and took the Kings close. Wolves need to stop the Bucks from running and control the boards, Cassell's return to Milwaukee should be interesting.
Once again Trenton Hassell must show off his lockdown defensive game. Trenton Hassell got to keep up with Micheal Redd as he moves with out the ball. Trenton did an excellent job of this vs Peja last week. The only thing is Redd is a little more willing to put the ball on the floor & go to the hole, so Trenton has to prepare for that at all. I also look for Sprewell to be extremely aggressive vs the bucks. His # have been down since the all-star break, Sprewell needs to get it going again. Hope Sam doesnt try to do to much this game. This has the makihgs of game where Sam takes to many shots. And thats not what the t-wolves need right now. They need Sam(along with KG) to create easy shots for role players that are coming back(Kandiman, Wally). They need him to help them get adjusted back into the lineup. And Victoies seem to come much easier to the t-wolves when Sam is in the 10plus assist range. Points in the piant will be another key. The bucks are a perimeter team, who generates most of their offense from their perimeter players, so the t-wolves have to dominate points in the paint. Go to Kandiman early in the game, the Bucks dont have any shot blockers, so Kandiman should be able to finish plays at a high % down low. And of course KG can take advantage down low as well.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">This has the makihgs of game where Sam takes to many shots.</div> That might not be a bad thing, since he's shooting around 51 percent on the season...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Crossover:</div><div class="quote_post">That might not be a bad thing, since he's shooting around 51 percent on the season...</div> Its a bad thing if he is forcing, Ball-movement is the Key to the t-wolves offense. And the depend on KG & Sam to create for everyone else. So if he forcing it he is taking away better looks from teamates. The Bucks & all their fans know what Sam can do as a scorer & player. He did for them for 5 all-star caliber seasons, he has nothing to prove. But the t-wolves do need a Win cause they lose to the Bucks, their next game comes against a red hot Nets team. And before you know it they are in a 3-game losing streak & your spurs are breathing down their neck for the division lead(but you would love that wouldnt you) Plus the biggest Knock on Sam during his Buck's days was that he wasnt willing to pass to make others better. Getting a high assist # in a win would prove them wrong.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Crossover:</div><div class="quote_post">The game is at Milwaukee, who still remains to be one of the BEST home teams in the NBA right now?</div> Yes, but the Wolves are the best road team in the NBA. I say the Wolves by 8.
My two favorite teams going at, gotta love it. The Bucks are a great home team, as mentioned, but the Wolves are just better all around. I expect Olowokandi to be a big factor in this game, because the Bucks don't have that great of a center. Sprewell vs. Redd should be fun to watch, and I expect Sprewell to come back with a vengence after the Spurs game. Will be a good game, in my opinion, but I will say Wolves by 3.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting twolvefan11:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes, but the Wolves are the best road team in the NBA. I say the Wolves by 8.</div> Part of what makes it such a good matchup. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">(but you would love that wouldnt you)</div> Damn skippy, I would. ;D
I don't see the Twolves having a problem with the Bucks. They've been playing great lately. I say Wolves by 10.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting coolhandluke:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't see the Twolves having a problem with the Bucks. They've been playing great lately. I say Wolves by 10.</div> That sums it up perfectly, then again, anything can happen. Things'll probably go great for us though, especially since getting the complete roster. I don't see a blowout but a well fought out fight for ball possession, boards and the easy baskets. Wolves by 5.
When was the last time the Wolves blew a team out? Bucks are a pretty good team and adding in Keith Van Horn they certainly shouldn't be overlooked. I will be surprised if this game doesn't go down to the final two minutes.
Looks like the Wolves will have a big lead going into the fourth. The Wolves should win this one. Spre is having a great game.
Welcome to Kandi land, Mason. Olowokandi has 3 blocks tonight, playing great defense again. Hope he continues this for the rest of the season, if he does, then you can bank us for the NBA Finals.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting twolvefan11:</div><div class="quote_post">Welcome to Kandi land, Mason. Olowokandi has 3 blocks tonight, playing great defense again. Hope he continues this for the rest of the season, if he does, then you can bank us for the NBA Finals.</div> Actually, they ruled the last block as a steal, saying Kandi got it before he went up with it. Whatever. I liked Kandi's assertiveness on the boards & loved his first swat. He came from the weakside & just about put it into orbit. Kandi, Mad Dog & KG were all playing well in the post. Mad Dog's tip-in slam was impressive as was his left-handed jumphook down low. Mad Dog's offensive rebounding was pretty sweet, too. We got a picture of things to come when KG & Kandi were in there together. I can't remember who it was that got around KG & went up for a layup but Kandi had rotated over & swatted the shot. KG didn't have his shot dropping tonight but he gobbled up everything on the boards. Sam & Spree deserve recognition, too. Spree came out aggressive & helped get the team's offense going in the first half. Sam dominated when he returned in the 4th. Sam & Spree were hawks defensively, too.
