Statistical Breakdown:
Time: Tonight 7 p.m. CST
Place: Target Center
POR record: 34-27
MIN record: 14-46
POR road record: 15-14
MIN home record: 9-20
POR record v. Western Conf: 21-14
MIN record v. Western conf: 7-28
POR PPG: 97.6 (T-22nd)
MIN PPG: 97.6 (T-22nd)
POR opponents PPG: 95.3 (T-4th)
MIN opponents PPG: 106.1 (28th)
POR RPG Diff: +1.6 (10th)
MIN RPG Diff: +0.1 (17th)
POR AST/TO: 20.3/12.8 (T-8th)
MIN AST/TO: 19.7/16.1 (29th)
POR FG%: 46.3% (11th)
MIN FG%: 44.7% (25th)
POR opponents FG%: 46.4% (20th)
MIN opponents FG%: 47.5% (26th)
POR 3PT%: 35.2% (12th)
MIN 3PT%: 33.8% (25th)
POR FT%: 78.6% (4th)
MIN FT%: 73.9% (23rd)
Last meeting:
My prediction: POR 112-101

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Much like Love's face in the pic, this game was ugly!

Kevin Love had another great performance off the bench. Unfortunately for him, he did not get a double-double so he is dead to me. Al Jefferson continues to struggle. I think Kurt Rambis really needs to think about moving Big Al to the bench and limiting his minutes. He is clearly struggling and it is likely from knee pain or fatigue, so what is the benefit of continuing to trudge him out there as a starter for 25+ minutes? With Love, Darko, and Hollins you can easily restrict Jefferson to roughly 20 minutes a game.

Moving on; as a team Minnesota only shot 40% from the field last night. That will not get it done against any team let alone a team as well rounded as OKC. The Wolves were real strong from the line (15 of 17), about right on their average for rebounds, and slightly below average in rebound diff (-4). Damien Wilkins took a step backwards (0 pts in 15 minutes) after having back to back great games.

Beast!

Once again the Wolves had absolutely no answer for Russell Westbrook as he almost secured another triple-double. Westbrook is one of the fastest risers at the PG position in the NBA. He is quickly becoming one of the best. Remember this kid is big, physical, fast, and is actually learning how to play point at the NBA level. I repeat he is learning HOW to play PG at the highest level of competition in the world. The kid is uber talented. Jonny Flynn just does not match up well physically on offense or defense. Just wait til next year Russell when we can place Wall or Turner on you! Just kidding, but next time the Wolves play him they might need to play Sessions significantly more or give Flynn more help.

Overall I am not surprised by the outcome of this game. I had it closer because the last two times they have played it was real close, but on paper this is a significant mismatch. Oh well time to forgive and forget. The Wolves next game is tonight against Portland.

Statistical Breakdown:
Time: Tonight 7 p.m. CST
Place: Ford Center
OKC record: 33-23
MIN record: 14-45
OKC home record: 16-11
MIN road record: 5-25
OKC record v. Western Conf: 16-17 (in div 6-2)
MIN record v. Western conf: 7-27 (in div 3-8)
OKC PPG: 99.0 (18th)
MIN PPG: 97.7 (T-22nd)
OKC opponents PPG: 96.0 (7th)
MIN opponents PPG: 106.1 (28th)
OKC RPG: 43.6 (3rd)
MIN RPG: 43.4 (5th)
OKC RPG Diff: +2.2 (T-5th)
MIN RPG Diff: +0.2 (17th)
OKC AST/TO: 19.5/15.2 (T-26th)
MIN AST/TO: 19.6/16.1 (29th)
OKC FG%: 45.5% (19th)
MIN FG%: 44.8% (23rd)
OKC opponents FG%: 43.8% (3rd)
MIN opponents FG%: 47.3% (26th)
OKC 3PT%: 34.1% (T-21st)
MIN 3PT%: 34.1% (T-21st)
OKC FT%: 79.4% (2nd)
MIN FT%: 73.7% (24th)
Last meeting: OKC 109-107
My prediction: OKC 100-96

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Name: Damion James
Ht: 6′7″ Wt: 225
Pos: SF/PF Class: Sr
College: Texas

Overview: Damion James is an undersized four and below average athletic three. He is a tweener who will struggle to defend anyone in the NBA. Damion works hard on defense but his feet are to slow to defend at a high level in the NBA. His biggest strength is his shot and as we all know shooting 9 times out of 10 translates to the NBA. As of right now he is a set shooter so he needs to work on creating his own shot. He is not much a threat to put the ball on the floor and drive past defenders. James has a nice touch around the basket but I question whether he will be able to finish down low against the bigger 4 and 5’s. He is a tough call for my Big Board because I think Stanley Robinson has a higher ceiling, but I think Damion James has the better chance to be a key shooter off the bench for a title contending team. I guess on an individual basis I will have to go with Robinson ahead of James.

Strengths: Shooting, leadership, willingness to take on go to role, clutch performer, decent rebounder, and basketball IQ.

Weaknesses: He has no natural position, will struggle to create his own shot, dribbling, quickness, size, and projects to be a poor defender.

Comparable: Ryan Gomes

DWW’s Big Board:
1. John Wall G Kentucky
2. Evan Turner G Ohio State
3. Demarcus Cousins F/C Kentucky
4. Wes Johnson F Syracuse
5. Greg Monroe F/C Georgetown
6. Craig Brackins F Iowa State
7. Cole Aldrich C Kansas
8. Elias Harris F Gonzaga
9. Stanley Robinson F UConn
10. Damion James F Texas

The Wolves played admirably last night. They were led by yet another double double from the Beach Boy. Ryan Hollins scored 18 but still can’t rebound. Jonny Flynn had a nice assist to turnover ratio. The team as a whole played fairly well. Big Al did not do much (10 pts, 4 reb). Where I think the Wolves lost the game though is in the rotation. Between Ramon Sessions, Darko, Wayne Ellington, and Sasha Pavlovic they had a combined 70 minutes and 0 points. 0 points in 70 minutes! I say again, 0 points in 70 minutes! Are you kidding me? The bench scored 34 points for the Wolves and normally you would think that was productive, but it wasn’t. Those 34 points came from two players (Kevin Love and Damien Wilkins) while the other 4 bench players scored a whopping 0 points in 70 minutes! Can I say 0 points in 70 minutes again? 0 points in 70 minutes! You know what? I am not even upset about that, that is amazing! In fact I think the next NBA “Where Amazing Happens” commercial should show their 13 bricks.

Moving on; I am sorry I did not have a preview for the game yesterday. I wrote it all up including some promotion for my buddy Kris Willis of Soaring Down South but unfortunately something went wrong with the post and it kept the info from the Miami game instead. He is one helluva blogger though and has a really good site. You should check it out. I did say in the preview though that I thought Josh Smith would have a huge night and he did. The Wolves just don’t have an answer for these types of players. I will say this to; I really like Atlanta’s team. I think this is their last opportunity to make a run at the finals because I don’t think they can bring Joe Johnson back but…..I like their squad. They have a nice balance of shooters, athleticism, youth, and experience. I really can’t say enough about them but maybe I am just biased because I was stationed in Georgia for about 5 years and grew to like them. Anyway that is all for now.