Greetings for a final time from Target Center tonight.
The Wolves just lost a game they probably should have one. Both teams had just one December win to their credit when this thing started, and the Pacers were playing after having played in Denver Saturday night. And yet it was the Wolves that stumbled out of the gate with no energy. After the game coach Flip Saunders again questioned his team's sense of urgency and postulated that his young players might be getting too complacent.
It won't be any easier Tuesday in Cleveland.
Here are some thoughts on the game:
--Shabazz Muhammad might have started off struggling with his shot, but he continued to work hard. And he was the reason the team was able to come back and make it a game in the second half. Before the game Saunders talked about how other teams are now focusing on stopping Muhammad, and yet he continues to score, in double figures with 21 points tonight.
--Just when you think Chase Budinger is rounding back into pre-injury shape…. He was 6-for-10 tonight for 13 points. Yes. But he also threw up two airballs late.
--Gorgui Dieng played better as the game wore on, but he struggling keeping Roy Hibbert out of the paint to start the game.
--What an up-and-down game for Zach LaVine. He plays half of the first quarter like he's half asleep and gets benched. Then he comes out and scores nine third-quarter points, with two assists and a steal.
