Minnesota brings no Love to New Orleans. Will Vasquez and Company take advantage?
Minnesota has struggled with injuries all year, with Love missing nearly half their games, Brandon Roy managing 5 games all season, Ricky Rubio chalking up 7 so far, and Chase Budinger only playing six. Through it all, the Wolves have managed to play about .500 ball. Had this team managed to stay healthy (minus Roy, who was clearly not going to be healthy) they would probably be challenging for home court advantage in the first round. Instead, they are struggling to stay in the playoff conversation.
As can be expected for a middle of the road team, they do some things well and some things terribly. Can the Hornets take advantage?
Keys to the Game
- The biggest battle in this game is the boards. Minnesota shoots poorly. They turn the ball over frequently. They gain a major advantage in every game, however, by dominating the glass on both ends of the floor. This reduces shot counts for opponents and ensure the Wolves get extra shots to make up for their poor shooting. The Hornets have been crushing the glass the past week – if they can even battle Minnesota to a draw on the glass, advantage Hornets.
- Since Gordon has returned to the lineup, the Hornets have cut their turnovers – that looks to continue tonight as the Timberwolves have been terrible at forcing turnovers this season. If Gordon and Vasquez can keep their miscues low, the Hornets can gain a possession advantage here.
- Drill it from deep. The Wolves have allowed the 6th most threes in the league. The Hornets have some good shooters. If they make their shots, this game could be a laugher.
Thing to watch – Personally, if I was Rick Adelman, I’d put Kirilenko on Ryan Anderson and tell him to never leave. It will be interesting to see if this happens and what Anderson does to get free.
Enjoy the game!
4 responses to “Game On: Minnesota @ Hornets”
Does anyone know if j.j. barea was cleared for tonight? He diced Vasquez to shreds last game. I hope they put Gordon on him. His defense is one of his biggest assets as of late. I would love for him to shoot the lights out tonight. He’s due for another game where he just balls out of control. Get pec in foul trouble early with aggressive drives, and the game is ours. Let’s go!
Has anyone else noticed how much Rivers seems so slip and fall down on his drives to the basket?
Yeah, all the kids who grew up watching Wade’s Nike commercials think that’s the way to play.
They should take another look. He don’t play that way no more, since it is probably going to end up costing him whatever the contract a usable 34 year old DWade would have got.
I’m glad Vasquez hit the three at the end. It is our patriotic duty to bury Kiralinko, lol. Bad first quarter, but man we straight up stole the momentum from them and never looked back. Game ball goes to Aminu imo, that dude was all over the place AND he finished at the rim consistently. I’m glad we got out of that funk in the second. Our third quarter slump was no where to be seen! So recap: terrible first quarter, fantastic comeback, and pure domination the rest of the way. Oh, and we are a little too handsy around the paint. 4 in a row. Good job guys!