If Anthony Edwards' hot shot left its mark and will remain the symbol of the Wolves' victory in Game 1 against the Suns, we must not forget that Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker had played an essential role in the first half to put their team in control. Especially the second, since he handled the Devin Booker case well, while signing his best career game in the playoffs: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 interceptions!
“I looked at the +/-, and it finished at +28! He's our MVP.” coward Anthony Edwards. “In attack, as in defense, he signed every action we needed. »
In each half, it was when the Minnesota substitutes entered that the Suns broke down, unable to respond to “energizers” like Reid and Alexander-Walker. “These guys have been important to us all season. They have so much confidence in themselves, and it doesn't matter what role they play or when we need them. »
Become indispensable through your defense
While Mike Conley was upset with his shooting (1 of 7 in the first half), Nickeil Alexander-Walker filled in for him, and the two are much more than teammates. We forget it, but they arrived together from Jazz last season, and their complicity is an asset for their coach.
“Mike is like a big brother” assures the Canadian, the only player on the squad to have played all 82 regular season matches. “He helped me a lot throughout the season, and even last year. »
Arriving in the NBA with the reputation of being a joker in attack, Nickeil Alexander-Walker knows that it is his defense that allows him to be on the court. And facing superstars like Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, his role is essential in this series.
“When we defend, that’s how we stay on the pitch,” he concludes. “Before each match, I don’t know if my shots are going to go in. On the other hand, what I know is that I will be able to defend. If I am able to provide defense every night, they will accept that I shoot 4 out of 9 one night and 1 out of 5 the next day. My defense allows me to bring something else when my shots don't go in. »
