The Wolves did not turn the other cheek. Rolled at the Suns on Friday, the Minnesota players did not make the same mistake at the Lakers on Sunday evening. Certainly, the task was made easier for them by the absence of LeBron James, and the early exit of Anthony Davis, injured in the eye. But the visitors generally showed seriousness, taking control of operations just after AD left to take cover. Here they are again at the top of the Western Conference, a place they do not intend to relinquish.
In a three-team fight with the Nuggets and the Thunder, the Wolves are not let down by their poor performance in Phoenix when, at the same time, Oklahoma City is marking time in its “road trip” to the East. So don't talk to them about rest for the playoffs, one week before the end of the regular season.
“ Finishing number one has been a goal for us all season » thus advanced after the match Naz Reid, author of his first career match in 30/10, with 31 points and 11 rebounds. “ It’s something we really want, we talk about it constantly. Obviously we want the rankings to be in our favor, so we have to move and make sure that they are in our favor. »
A final in Denver on Wednesday?
“ It would be the icing on the cake of this season » said coach Chris Finch. “ This obviously gives a huge advantage to having home field advantage during the playoffs. »
The Wolves technician is already looking ahead to what he sees as a difficult final phase, “ perhaps the toughest playoffs in history. » « So every advantage you can take is going to be important. We haven't just been focused on first place, but I know the guys have it in their sights. »
Before them looms what could be a “final” for the head of the West, with a trip to Denver on Wednesday. The two teams currently have a perfectly identical record. But Minnesota is temporarily on a favorable waiver after winning two of the first three clashes against the Nuggets, the last in the Rockies on March 19. The Wolves will, however, have to show seriousness over the rest of the schedule with the receptions of Washington and Atlanta, before a possibly crucial match on the last evening on Sunday, for a revenge against the Suns.
The confidence is there, with seven wins in the last nine games after this success in Los Angeles, the 16th by ten points or more away this season, a franchise record. And the atmosphere seems good, watching Anthony Edwards relaxed after the match. Especially since if the Lakers played three quarters of the match without their All-Stars, “Minny” was also missing one. “ Karl-Anthony Towns will return » smiled impishly Anthony Edwardsalthough he did not specify the exact date.
