Minnesota Timberwolves’ rival’s perspective: Attacking the rim
As the Minnesota Timberwolves get set to tip-off against the Miami Heat, Dunking With Wolves checks in with a writer from the Heat’s perspective.
The Minnesota Timberwolves look to win back-to-back games for the second time this season as they face the Miami Heat. Let’s see what Hoops Hype’s Frank Urbina has to say about the game.
1. What are the chances Whiteside plays against the Twolves?
Frank Urbina via Hoops Hype (@frankurbina_): Next to none according to head coach Erik Spoelstra, which is (obviously) a bad thing for Miami. As of Sunday, the Heat had the league’s fifth-worst rebound rate, and Whiteside has played just once this season–pretty clear those two factors correlate. What’s more, giving up second-chance point has really hurt the Heat thus far, and is at least partially to blame for their 2-3 record. I expect rookie big man Bam Adebayo to draw his third-straight start against the Wolves. If not him, keep an eye on Jordan Mickey to open the game; he’s got a unique blend of shot-blocking instincts and three-point prowess in an athletic 6-foot-9 frame.
Brian Sampson via Dunking With Wolves (@BrianSampsonNBA): I have to agree with Frank on this one, as the big man is listed as doubtful on the injury report. He only just started practicing again over the weekend so it may still be a little while before he returns. If he truly does miss this game, it will be a huge blow to Miami and a fortuitous matchup for the Timberwolves.
2. What will be Miami’s game plan against the Timberwolves? What weaknesses of Minnesota will they exploit?
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Frank: No matter the opponent, the Heat are going to continue attacking the rim with aplomb, led by their two bulldogs in the backcourt: Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters. Off of their drives, the two guards are going to look to create either alley-oops to Adebayo and Mickey, or set up spotting-up shooters behind the 3-point line. Though the 3s haven’t been falling yet (reserves Wayne Ellington and Tyler Johnson have been particularly frigid to start the season), Miami does attempt the eighth-most 3s in the league. They’ll continue to bomb away against Minnesota, with the hope they start to connect at a more acceptable rate.
Brian: I look for Miami to use the pick-and-rolls to put Towns and co. in difficult defending positions. Towns especially has struggled in that situation all season long and Miami will look to use Dragic as their primary playmaker. He shouldn’t have any trouble turning the corner and creating offense, whether it be for himself or his teammates, off that ball screen.
3. If you were the head coach of the Timberwolves, how would you exploit the Heat?
Frank: I’d tell my team–primarily Towns, Wiggins, Taj Gibson and Dieng–to attack the offensive glass to garner extra possessions. Minnesota has to be careful with that strategy, however, as Miami’s young guys, Tyler Johnson, Justice Winslow and Josh Richardson, as well as the vets, Dragic and James Johnson, are prone to leak out in transition for easy baskets. The Wolves have to find the right mix of aggression on the offensive glass and care on the defensive front, much like the Boston Celtics did on Saturday night when they beat Miami rather soundly in South Florida. With Whiteside out, I’d also tell my team to take it to the rim as much as possible, as Kelly Olynyk is no Whiteside when it comes to manning the paint defensively.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves game preview: Oct. 30 at Miami Heat
Brian: Minnesota should look to be aggressive early and attack the rim. That doesn’t mean they always have to try to force a shot up inside, but make the defense collapse and kick it out for a 3 if it’s there. If the defense doesn’t send help then there should be plenty of driving lanes for guys like Teague, Butler and Wiggins.