16. It is the figure in the first quarter between the Wolves and the Cavaliers. For two reasons. Already because Cleveland started the game with a 16-0. Then since Minnesota missed her first 16 shots! The players of Chris Finch chained the missed shoots for long minutes and it was a ordeal before finally, after nine minutes of play, find the way to the basket.
As they made the efforts in defense, they were able to limit the breakage, bowing only 30-12, when they only scored two baskets in twelve minutes …
“The majority of the award -winning shots that we missed were good shots, which did not return. They seemed short “,, analysis The Wolves coach on this first failed quarter. “In defense, we made stops, but they took offensive rebounds. When we closely observe this Cleveland team, she beats her opponents in general with a big series. This was the case in the first quarter, from the start of the match. »»
An influenza attack, too centered on its All-Star
If Anthony Edwards, with his 44 points (and 28 shoots), tried everything to feed the brand, trying to come back, the attack was never able to collectively overcome this slide from the first minutes. Faced with a more modest opponent, perhaps it would have been possible, but not against the riders.
“It's not enough. We have to turn the ball “,, finding Chris Finch on the 17 assists of his team, who relied too much on the individual talent of his All-Star. “Edwards was hot,” had good shots, was on the free throw line, but we need to play the game for his teammates at a high level, as he can do. »»
Result: a broad and logical defeat, of 21 points (the second largest in their season), and an unpleasant feeling of not having found the solutions during the game, of having paid very dearly the price of this first quarter-quarter missed.
“I didn't like much in this part. We could have better got into the meeting ”, estimates Minnesota coach. “I did not like our hardness or our attack. We got bogged down, not being very intelligent in attack. I didn't like our resistance when it counted. We played much better than that. So there are not many good things to remember. »»
