Certainly, Kyrie Irving and especially Luka Doncic were magnificent (36 points each) in Game 5, but what allowed the Mavericks to largely win in Minnesota were also the offensive difficulties of the Wolves. Anthony Edwards and his teammates too often struggled to find their way to the circle.
“We never managed to produce our game collectively throughout the entire series, not even one match,” judge the rear after the defeat in this fifth round. “That’s the main thing. In the two previous series, there was a moment when the machine was running, when we were taking shots. Not here. »
If we look at the numbers, the Wolves were a bit more skillful behind the arc against the Mavericks than during the series against Denver (36 against 35%). However, the visual impression was different. And obviously for the players too.
“We are not the best attack”
“We didn't take the shots in this series, at 3-points, it hurt us. Their plan worked since we didn't put anything in. We had the same shots as in the other two series. It didn't fall in.”insists Anthony Edwards. “Their physical dimension bothered us. They stopped us from doing what we wanted”continues Chris Finch.
The guard says it himself, Minnesota doesn't have “the best attack. We are a defensive team”. Except that at this level, the Wolves' sometimes dubious misses and shots are a burden. Especially against a Dallas team which always has offensive solutions with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Best defense in the league during the regular season, the Wolves were an average attack (16th in efficiency) and this is where the room for improvement is the greatest. “Unfortunately, it comes with a defeat, but I guess so,” replies the All-Star when asked if this series is a good experience for the future. “It’s the first time we’ve been at this level, me first. We'll come back. »
| Anthony Edwards | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 72 | 32 | 41.7 | 32.9 | 77.6 | 0.8 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 19.3 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 72 | 34 | 44.1 | 35.7 | 78.6 | 0.9 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 21.3 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 79 | 36 | 45.9 | 36.9 | 75.6 | 0.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 24.6 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 79 | 35 | 46.1 | 35.7 | 83.6 | 0.7 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.1 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 25.9 |
| Total | 302 | 34 | 44.6 | 35.3 | 79.3 | 0.7 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 22.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
