After criticism from Anthony Edwards following a fourth defeat in a row, the Wolves got back on track with an iron defense, winning six matches out of seven. We said then that their season was finally launched. Big mistake. Indeed, by losing in Atlanta, Minnesota has just lost its last three matches… Back to square one.
What is worrying is now the attack which, for several matches, has painfully exceeded the 100 points average. How to do better?
“To put it bluntly: I don’t know.”, answers Julius Randlevisibly as lost as his teammates. “That’s the most honest answer I can give. I can say what works: when you play with rhythm, moving a lot. We need to do it more consistently. For the rest, I don't know. »
Is Chris Finch also in the fog like his players? Is he thinking about a possible change of five majors to shake up a little his immutable Mike Conley – Anthony Edwards – Jaden McDaniels – Julius Randle – Rudy Gobert, and thus perhaps find a new balance?
“All options are still on the table, that’s for sure. But we also have to think about the formations that are on the floor during the match”indicates the coach.
“I'm tired of hearing what the fans think we should do”
Except that among Wolves fans, time is running out. Several times this season, and again against the Knicks recently, they do not hesitate to whistle and boo their team when the latter is not up to par. An attitude that does not please Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
“It’s difficult because of the expectations from last year. We can clearly see that they are clinging to it and that we are not meeting their expectations,” understands the Canadian well, before being more critical. “But it seems like we're doing nothing, even though we get up every day at 6 a.m. They don't know the players' schedules. I'm here four hours before practice starts. I'm tired of hearing what the fans think we should do. I work like crazy. Everyone has things to say and that's what they do. If they want to do things for us, let them do it. Never mind. »
The Minnesota players still have two matches to play, Wednesday and Friday, in Dallas and Houston, before returning to their home crowd and the Target Center on Sunday, against the Spurs. Before facing the Thunder and the Celtics. The Wolves will quickly have to find answers, otherwise they will experience a very difficult end to the year…
“Basically, the only thing that worries me, like the rest of the locker room, is doing my best to win”concludes Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
