Grades: Spurs at Timberwolves - Jan. 10, 2021

[JeffDuncan]

that's not true. Patty actually set him up near the basket a bunch of times. It's just that he can't score if somebody guards him (no matter what size this player is), so he passes the ball back out or turns it over

Poeltl also has trouble scoring when he gets the shot off. The only "outside" shot he has is that kind of shot-put thing he does. In the first Minny game they tried to get him going early, and got him chances for that shot on consecutive possessions, and he missed them both, about 5 or 6 feet from the basket.

[SpursDynasty85]

that's not true. Patty actually set him up near the basket a bunch of times. It's just that he can't score if somebody guards him (no matter what size this player is), so he passes the ball back out or turns it over

Those were not good passes. Lane was clogged and blocked off when Poetl received those passes. Poetl isn’t really a post up scorer anymore. Needs about half a lane open and with some room to run to the basket. Patty was just playing hero ball IMO. Had Vassell wide open instead of dumping it into the crowded paint.

[Ice009]

Good write up Timvp.
Lonnie really needs to finish strong at the rim. He shot 9/19 but 3 for 7 on threes. Take out missed threes and that is 6 shots missed, which probably were 5 close baskets missed. If he hits those, and Spurs possibly win this game.
On a back to back, Popovich has to go into his bench especially with players out. Tre Jones should have gotten a few minutes, the offense struggled without a more natural point guard out there. Better to give him some minutes early in the season, the Spurs could have used his defense too , along with his high Basketball IQ

I agree with you, but since it's been said that Trey isn't a great shooter, Pop probably doesn't want to play him, instead, he'd rather have a chucker out there like Mills who can't play PG or run an offense to save his life. I just don't get it. I give Mills props for the way he's played up until last night (it's probably been his best stretch of basketball for years), but it's fools gold IMO. Mills won't keep playing this well all season. I'd rather have a PG out there that can actually play PG and also defend. I'd rather give Jones a chance to see what he can do. Mills should always be pulled quickly if his shot is off.

Both Lonnie and Pop said postgame that it was cramps. No worries.

Thanks for the info about Lonnie. I was worried it was something worse. He play very well most of the game IMO. Hopefully he keeps up this aggression and stays healthy.

[Thomas82]

nobody was passing to Devin. Was frustrating to watch especially Patty ignoring the rookie the last few games. Patty needs to be a much better facilitator especially while White is out.

This is pretty much what I expected from Patty and the other 3 vets in contract years......to shoot everything they touch.