Series Thread: 1st Round: 3) LA Lakers vs 6) Minnesota T-Wolves

[ST_Master114]

I think the Wolves will win next round whoever they face.

Then comes the reckoning against OKC.

Don't be so quick to count out DEN/LAC. Either of those teams are capable of beating OKC and both match up well.

 

[shopson67]

I agree, but if Luka is absolutely not going to get in better shape to help the defense I guess I could understand moving him. No excuse for not getting more though.

He's only been back from injury for what, 2 months? At least give him the summer to work on that (if he even will lol).

 

[shopson67]

Don't be so quick to count out DEN/LAC. Either of those teams are capable of beating OKC and both match up well.

I don't see it. Clippers will eventually Clipper, and Denver has been inconsistent at best this year.

 

[shopson67]

wolves have been a god awful franchise for so long, it's easy to bet against them.

I certainly would take a prove it strategy

It just took a few decades to vindicate letting the Minneapolis Lakers leave and getting the timberwolves later on

A first round series win is vindication? To each his own I guess...

 

[shopson67]

While Luka certainly has to try to at least become a good "help defender", the biggest issue was the Lakers having no bigs. Not just for rebounding, but defense as well. A big like AD or maybe Williams can hide a lot of defensive deficiencies. Luka's perimeter defense was serviceable, but he was getting beat off the dribble...it's lot different beating him off the dribble and having to face a legit, shot blocking big than facing Hayes, Rui or Vando.

It will be interesting to see who the Lakers target this summer at center.

 

[shopson67]

Wolves are no joke if they show up to play. I wouldn’t underestimate this team if I was OKC, but both teams have to win another round first. Antman is damn good and dangerous when he penetrated and dishes. Like to see that more from him

If they're allowed to play physical, they can certainly lock a team up.

 

[shopson67]

Less so than people (like you) are saying. Lakers fans should be quite concerned if he doesn't at least become average at defense.

Wasn't that the problem with prime Harden? Great offensively, maybe best in the league...terrible defender (he's not so bad now), and no titles, not a coincidence. Steve Nash, same.

I'm not concerned about Luka in the slightest. He's made the finals already and is just getting to his prime.

 

[Mebert]

A first round series win is vindication? To each his own I guess...

It is the first time in franchise history they have made it out of the first round in consecutive years. So for us....yes, new heights achieved!

 

[PnkPanther]

A first round series win is vindication? To each his own I guess...

 

[jontaejones]

Luka was not the reason in either home loss. He ended up with a strong stat line last night despite getting tomahawked and struggling with back tightness thereafter.

It's slightly concerning, because they could have lost 4-1 without Luka.

And he didn't elevate them above the winning % they were already playing at in the regular season either.

That said, I still personally think he's the best player in the NBA and they'll be much better next year, even without roster changes.

 

[tlance]

Wolves are no joke if they show up to play. I wouldn’t underestimate this team if I was OKC, but both teams have to win another round first. Antman is damn good and dangerous when he penetrated and dishes. Like to see that more from him

Wolves look good.

But OKC is special.

They can match defensively without ever having to have SGA guard Ant (unless they want him to).

Minnesota has to use Ant on either SGA or Williams for stretches.

They have bigs to match Minnesota’s bigs, and all their smalls guard extremely well.

Ant going to get the Dort treatment and somebody else on Minny is going to have to really step up to win more than 1 game.

 

[tlance]

Don't be so quick to count out DEN/LAC. Either of those teams are capable of beating OKC and both match up well.

Yes, I am ruling them out.

 

[PnkPanther]

Wolves look good.

But OKC is special.

They can match defensively without ever having to have SGA guard Ant (unless they want him to).

Minnesota has to use Ant on either SGA or Williams for stretches.

They have bigs to match Minnesota’s bigs, and all their smalls guard extremely well.

Ant going to get the Dort treatment and somebody else on Minny is going to have to really step up to win more than 1 game.

Jaden Mcdaniels can cover SGA

and they split season series

 

[tlance]

Jaden Mcdaniels can cover SGA

and they split season series

I realize.

But then who guards Williams?

It is a big advantage to be able to put your best offensive player on a guy who isn’t a primary option.

 

[PnkPanther]

I realize.

But then who guards Williams?

It is a big advantage to be able to put your best offensive player on a guy who isn’t a primary option.

it's not like Jaden can't score

Like I said, I like OKC in the matchup, but i don't think it's sure thing OKC wins


with that said, both have to win next series and then we'll see.

it's been fun, I'm not used to wolves being remotely relevant

 

[trojanfan12]

It will be interesting to see who the Lakers target this summer at center.

Very interesting. I wonder what FA bigs may be available.

 

[Mebert]

Very interesting. I wonder what FA bigs may be available.

Naz Reid is going to opt out

 

[thunderc]

He's only been back from injury for what, 2 months? At least give him the summer to work on that (if he even will lol).

Well obviously Dallas gave up.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Minnesota is a pretty good defensive team.

 

[bksballer89]

I guess Sharpe and Morris are having to eat crow this morning

Guess you haven’t been paying attention to the Shannon sharpe news lately?