The three defeats suffered after leading 2-0 in the series were very damaging to the morale of the team. Wolves. And the latter have often let their annoyance show, in the face of the Nuggets' play or the refereeing decisions.
Rudy Gobert is one of the main concerned. The Wolves pivot rubbed his fingers (again) after a whistle from Scott Foster during Game 4, which earned him a fine of $75,000.
“We have to keep a cool head. I think that's what we need to keep in mind.”, admits, however, the “Defensive Player Of The Year”. “We have to be mentally strong, individually and collectively, to be able to continue to play our game and not let anything affect the way we play. »
The Wolves no longer have time to get annoyed
The Frenchman is not the only one to have let his emotions take over as the series turned in Denver's favor. Several times, Jaden McDaniels let his anger be expressed after being assigned faults. Karl-Anthony Towns For his part, he sometimes seems demoralized. Even Nickeil Alexander-Walkeryet one of the calmest players of the Wolves, attacked the referees when he did not get the expected fouls.
The problem is that this also translates into the game, with moments of hesitation, like the 8-0 conceded in 20 seconds at the end of the first half of Game 4. Or like the sequence of three consecutive strong passes in Game 5.
“They're going to do one run after another. It's an excellent team. Sometimes we will make mistakes”concedes Nickeil Alexander-Walker. “But as a team, we just have to let these things flow.” Mental strength is not about clinging to the past, whether good or bad. »
Now with their backs against the wall, being down 3-2 against the reigning champions, the Wolves must concentrate on their basketball because time is running out. Above all, Minnesota had never lost three games in a row in the regular season and must confront this situation for the first time in the playoffs. And so on the verge of elimination…
“There is no reason to lower your head”concludes NAW. “There is no time to dwell on small things. Even in the game. It plays fast and they played even faster Tuesday night. »
