Reggie Miller, who was commentating the game on TNT, repeated it numerous times during the first period: the Wolves gave the impression of playing with seven players. And he honestly wasn't wrong… Minnesota's victory in Game 2 in Denver can be explained above all by an absolutely stifling defense, even though Rudy Gobert was absent from attending the birth of his son!
But his absence was compensated for by a flawless collective. “We defended collectively. Without Rudy, we had to change our game plan a little”, explains Anthony Edwards. “We must highlight the performances of Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid, who thus avoided having to do two takes. They faced Nikola Jokic. »
Nothing is given or easy
Clearly, even with one less triple defender of the year, we didn't see the difference… “He brought a defensive culture here. It’s a tribute to his impact, to his presence, to what he brings to this team.”underlines Chris Finch, speaking of the Frenchman. “You always expect to win, regardless of who is there or not. We changed a few instructions in the game plan but the players were ready. »
What were the ingredients to achieve such a performance? To only collect 35 units in the first period? To limit the Nuggets to 35% shooting success, 30% at 3-points and cause 16 lost balls?
“We are good at putting pressure from the start, on the ball carrier, on the passer. To stay in front of the players. To leave nothing easy. To put our hands everywhere, to touch and push. To be physical »list Anthony Edwards.
This is where we find Reggie Miller's comment. The efforts made by the Wolves have been constant and impressive. The rotations were perfect, so the Nuggets were never able to make any mismatches. And even simple shots near the circle were well contested. Chris Finch's players, in addition to imposing their physique, had their hands everywhere. The proof in the numbers: they stole 11 balls and blocked 12 shots. Without Rudy Gobert!
Defense, identity of the Wolves this season
The reigning champions were deprived of air in a perfect first period defensively. And visually striking. “We have had some great performances in defense this season, but this one is the strongest,” analyzed the coach. “On the carrier or away from the ball, in the physical impact, to respect the instructions, and to make the efforts again and again. In mental toughness too. We were really focused defensively. »
As all the players were at the level since, as Chris Finch says, “when we see everyone defending like this, then everyone does it at the same level as the others”, it is therefore difficult to stand out a player from the crowd. But Anthony Edwards wanted to focus on Jaden McDaniels.
“He’s phenomenal in the playoffs, especially in this series. His +/- is +40, so what did he put? 5 points in total, with two shots scored,” see the rear. “He doesn’t complain, he defends all-terrain. We wouldn't be the team we are without him. He is the X factor. He was everywhere in this match. »
The Wolves coach, like his All-Star, spoke of the work of Naz Reid. “It’s nice to see his progress. I remember a match last season here, where KAT was not there, and he was afraid to touch Nikola Jokic, who had a big match. There, his defensive activity was remarkable”he comments, before concluding thus: the defense, “this has been our identity since the start of the season”. And it has probably never been so striking.
