The Suns can’t even dribble around the Wolves!

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  • Опубликовано: 23 апр 2024
  • Phoenix has struggled to score and attack the paint in their 2024 playoff series against Minnesota. This detailed film breakdown & scouting report explores the Wolves defensive success behind the incredible ball pressure of Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anthony Edwards along with Rudy Gobert's newfound versatility in the playoffs.
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    Stats courtesy:
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    stats.nba.com
    -----
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    Music by Nemesis
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Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @4pfdattu605
    @4pfdattu605 23 дня назад +2495

    They got KD but we got Jaden McDaniels

    • @orangetweleve
      @orangetweleve 23 дня назад +91

      BELIEVE DAT

    • @darnellwilliams8783
      @darnellwilliams8783 23 дня назад +1

      ​@@orangetwelevetimberwolves hot the refs

    • @discowolf25
      @discowolf25 23 дня назад +57

      @@firstnamelastname6148 We we’re literally built to beat you. And calm down, wax the lakers first. Like fr please wax them😂

    • @Ricey167
      @Ricey167 23 дня назад

      @@discowolf25yet they didn’t last year

    • @samuellanghus1455
      @samuellanghus1455 23 дня назад +17

      @@firstnamelastname6148 Nuggets and Twolves split this year. I won’t rule anything out either way.

  • @anthonyzobel9694
    @anthonyzobel9694 23 дня назад +2528

    It’s so gratifying to see how well Gobert is doing in a situation with perimeter defense. I know the NBA media will never admit their old playoff analysis of him was unfair but he’s rightfully earned the praise he’s currently getting

    • @Oppenheimer1967
      @Oppenheimer1967 23 дня назад +30

      Yea but Terrance Mann still dropped 40 on his head.

    • @kennn30
      @kennn30 23 дня назад +294

      ​@@Oppenheimer1967 On the Jazz who had no great defenders around him

    • @80teg
      @80teg 23 дня назад +172

      ​@@Oppenheimer1967
      That's what casuals saw. Because casuals learn the terms but not the game itself.
      Next time watch the players without the ball, so you can see why Mann was open, and how much of his points was because Rudy wasn't playing good defense.

    • @toucheyang89
      @toucheyang89 23 дня назад +96

      Agree. At the same time, even if Gobert struggles on the perimeter, how many Centers out there can actually defend a guard? Most guards on a big is a matchup. Made up media narrative to hate on him.

    • @Eskeletor_210
      @Eskeletor_210 23 дня назад +3

      Gobert doesn’t have to go cross eyed finally

  • @IGI_Media
    @IGI_Media 23 дня назад +1248

    In high school, our coach taught us that the pressure isn't meant to get the ball (that's a bonus)
    The pressure is to slow them down
    Throw off their rhythm
    and make them play ball that isn't rehearsed and planned where they feel comfortable.

    • @ozarka1110
      @ozarka1110 23 дня назад +87

      U had a great coach. I never heard that before but love that message

    • @bigaaron
      @bigaaron 23 дня назад +42

      Absolutely. It sucks ass to play against defense that wont let you get a rhythm

    • @Mektek19
      @Mektek19 23 дня назад +25

      Well said. The modern NBA needs to understand this. They always go for the home run aka reaching way too often.

    • @OGMichaelC
      @OGMichaelC 22 дня назад +12

      24 seconds vs 12 seconds is huge

    • @Anthonydu01630
      @Anthonydu01630 22 дня назад +32

      Exactly, but casuals always think good defense end with a block or a steal … But staying in front of your man, making a good contest, forcing a turnover, communication, positioning, not ball watching when you are guarding a player off ball ect is what make a good defense, if you look at box score a good defensive team like the Wolves only had 8 steals and 2 block in game 1, that’s only 10 possession but most game have something like 75 possession for each team, so good defense is way more than just steal and blocks

  • @VinegarAndSaltedFries
    @VinegarAndSaltedFries 23 дня назад +519

    It won’t get talked about a lot but Alexander Walker has played like a man possessed this series. He has been awesome.

    • @MrDiMES123
      @MrDiMES123 22 дня назад +30

      It’s been rare to see this much defensive effort in the NBA

    • @zachschroeder1740
      @zachschroeder1740 22 дня назад +20

      he's such a great player. puts Grayson Allen to shame, does everything he can do and does it better.

    • @OGMichaelC
      @OGMichaelC 22 дня назад +24

      Watch him closely next game. He maneuvers around screens more tenaciously than even Jaden, and thats saying a lot

    • @Daveyjdigital
      @Daveyjdigital 22 дня назад +4

      Naw has gotten so much better

    • @WaxPundit
      @WaxPundit 22 дня назад +15

      He's been playing that way all season. Kid plays with his whole soul and it's gotta be infectious to play alongside.

  • @TheeKing7
    @TheeKing7 23 дня назад +942

    It's funny how they say there's no defense in the league and then you just look at Minnesota eating offenses alive LoL

    • @bubbles13244
      @bubbles13244 23 дня назад +42

      ​@@letmesleepinpeace7052you watch the video? 😂

    • @TheeKing7
      @TheeKing7 23 дня назад +137

      @@letmesleepinpeace7052 The shots aren't falling for a reason. You watch nearly any NBA player practice and they shoot like 90% inside the 3 point line or from their spots. Shots don't fall because of defensive pressure or keeping them away from their spots and rarely because a player is just having a bad game. That's facts and people need to actually look into basketball when they wanna talk shit about players or teams. Research before you start yappin frfr

    • @TheeKing7
      @TheeKing7 23 дня назад +1

      @@bubbles13244 THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING

    • @letmesleepinpeace7052
      @letmesleepinpeace7052 23 дня назад

      @bubbles13244 I was being sarcastic you idiots

    • @bsn0730
      @bsn0730 22 дня назад

      I think ​@@letmesleepinpeace7052 is saying that's the excuse people give when a team is kept below 100 points instead of giving good defense credit.
      "They don't play defense anymore, not like they did in the 90's." Tell me you don't watch basketball without telling me you don't watch basketball.

  • @GrantRossow
    @GrantRossow 23 дня назад +369

    Chris Finch deserves a ton of credit for what he’s done with this Wolves defense.

    • @MrDiMES123
      @MrDiMES123 22 дня назад +7

      Yes, but the arsenal is what carries it

    • @emmanuelcoquet6257
      @emmanuelcoquet6257 22 дня назад +34

      Yes, and Rudy as well. It's been public that he has been Instrumental in developing the scheme.

    • @David-iv6je
      @David-iv6je 22 дня назад +9

      And the players need to buy in TOGETHER. The lack of good attitude from teammates is what drove Jimmy Butler from CHI to MIN to PHI before he found his heat culture. Good to see MIN is creating the same culture. It's a COLABORATION.

  • @xsision5513
    @xsision5513 23 дня назад +230

    i hate how the jazz destroyed rudy’s defensive reputation by basically leaving him alone to do everything defensively, and now that he actually has a team that complements his defense it looks so disgustingly good

    • @leungsz
      @leungsz 23 дня назад +53

      See this is where you separate those who knows basketball vs those who don't. Those who do will understand why Gobert is a DPOY contender every year. To a certain extent, you have to think of who you can live without on defense. For me I think it's still Gobert on the Twolves even though all the other defenders are important too. Rudy amplifies the rest of the defenders, and for those who say he got cooked by Steph Curry......EVERY BIG MAN gets cooked by Steph.

    • @TurinStark5
      @TurinStark5 23 дня назад +14

      Exactly considering Jazz haven't made it to the playoffs since he left.

    • @MistyKathrine
      @MistyKathrine 22 дня назад +22

      @@TurinStark5 Gobert was Utah's MVP.

    • @mk-vi5qw
      @mk-vi5qw 22 дня назад +7

      ​@@MistyKathrine
      Even though Ant is by fat the best player, Gobert clearly also was the MVP of the Wolves this year. His unbelievable consistancy on defense and effort is absolutly astounding!

    • @Anthonydu01630
      @Anthonydu01630 22 дня назад +2

      @@leungszEven elite perimeter defenders like Kawhi, Cp3, Dillion Brooks ect got cooked by him, so it’s funny to see people making fun of Gobert because of that, like a 7footer should be able to guard the best shooter and off ball player ever, the 2nd best ball handler imo and also a good passer .. Curry is literally the most skilled player ever, the only guy under 6’6 to be a Top 10 player ever .. Laughing because a 7footer got cooked by the best offensive player ever who is 6’2 is like laughing because Curry, Cp3, Jrue Holiday or Marcus Smart got cooked by Lebron, Jokic, Giannis or Zion, it happens every game but because they play in the post or just « run and dunk » nobody cares, and they are right, because it’s normal for a dominant big to dominate a small guard, just like it’s normal for a dominant small guard to cook a 7footer on the perimeter 🤷🏽‍♂️

  • @duncanonme8744
    @duncanonme8744 23 дня назад +366

    It's amazing to see Edwards' effort level on the defensive end as well. For all the talk of his improvement in ball handling, playmaker, and shooting, the defense gets overlooked. It does wonders when your best perimeter player on offense also isn't a black hole on defense.

    • @ozarka1110
      @ozarka1110 23 дня назад +40

      Agree. I believe all athletic guys can play defense they just choose not to. With ants athleticism, I believe he could be a dpoy but that would cost him a ton of energy considering his already heavy offensive load

    • @yoman1936
      @yoman1936 23 дня назад +43

      @@ozarka1110 I doubt he'll ever be a dpoy because of his offensive load but he should at least find himself on a couple all defensive teams.

    • @Blorbifink
      @Blorbifink 23 дня назад +23

      ​@@ozarka1110it's 100% a choice. If guys like Joe Ingles and Kyle Anderson can be solid defenders, there's no excuse for more athletic guys

    • @mambaASI
      @mambaASI 22 дня назад +4

      being a black hole on defense sounds like a compliment lol

    • @MrDiMES123
      @MrDiMES123 22 дня назад +26

      @@ozarka1110defense is not all about athleticism. That’s just the engine, what matters is the driver (Def IQ) and Gas tank (stamina). Minnesota defense is filled with F1 cars and pro drivers 👀

  • @08mayleen
    @08mayleen 23 дня назад +176

    Gobert's defense is now seeing its full potential when he has teammates who's hounding the opposing players like crazy. Jaden McDaniels and ANT are clearly an upgrade over Donovan Mitchell and Bogdanovic in Utah.

    • @richborn6700
      @richborn6700 22 дня назад +13

      Say it louder for those at ESPN and FS1

    • @fabtech0771
      @fabtech0771 20 дней назад +8

      ​@@richborn6700The Gobert slander has to stop man, he is getting disrespected by the media, social media casual watchers and even other NBA players because all they look at are the stat sheets and the lowlights. Thank god the voters aren't stoopid and actually analyze games and can fully understand Gobert's impact, even tho it doesn't show much on the stat sheet. He is the DPOY this year and it's not close AT ALL

  • @dukiino739
    @dukiino739 23 дня назад +129

    nugs vs wolves is going to be one of the best playoff series of all time

    • @menot6245
      @menot6245 23 дня назад +11

      you see the vision, then the thunder vs the winner of that series after

    • @MrDiMES123
      @MrDiMES123 22 дня назад +6

      Minnesota vs Boston finals… and Tatum finally wins

    • @OGMichaelC
      @OGMichaelC 22 дня назад

      Basketball porn for basketball geeks

    • @SuperThisen
      @SuperThisen 22 дня назад +10

      Yeah and most of the games in that series last year were pretty close and the Wolves didn't have Naz or Jaden McDaniels. Actually pretty crazy and scary to think about. If the Timberwolves keep playing like this, then i don't see why they couldn't go all the way.

    • @richborn6700
      @richborn6700 22 дня назад +14

      @@MrDiMES123 Yeah sure buddy they lost to a Heat team without Butler last night.

  • @Phriedah
    @Phriedah 23 дня назад +506

    I think it's funny that you call Jaden McDaniels "JMac", cause that's the nickname we've used for Jordan Mclaughlin.

    • @harrytyre3765
      @harrytyre3765 23 дня назад +43

      I think mcdaniels was called that at washington honestly hes earned it. lol call mclaughlin lil mac

    • @sojiroseta98
      @sojiroseta98 23 дня назад +43

      Bruh, aint nobody outside the fanbase kno who the fuck Jordan Mclaughlin is...jus sayin

    • @Daveyjdigital
      @Daveyjdigital 22 дня назад +11

      Glad someone said it

    • @coreylemmon971
      @coreylemmon971 22 дня назад +20

      Yea I noticed people saying Jmac more and more. Us wolves fans are sitting here like that name is already being used 😂😂. I want seatbelt to be a staple nickname for Jaden

    • @GrimReaper-er8uu
      @GrimReaper-er8uu 22 дня назад +15

      It's either seatbelt or slim jady

  • @user-kd7we9lm1b
    @user-kd7we9lm1b 23 дня назад +910

    This is what happens when your replace Chris Paul with NO POINT GUARD

    • @BlueDrew10
      @BlueDrew10 23 дня назад +79

      Imagine this team with CP3 instead of Beal

    • @jonathanmcgraw3384
      @jonathanmcgraw3384 23 дня назад +51

      B-b-b-but true point guards don’t win rings!

    • @CryptidFlame
      @CryptidFlame 23 дня назад +125

      And stack 3 primarily self focused scorers

    • @nedaugust43
      @nedaugust43 23 дня назад +7

      Jose Alvarado 2021-2022 season. So would Chris Paul really be the answer?

    • @I_hate_HANDLES
      @I_hate_HANDLES 23 дня назад +10

      Paul too old now tho

  • @mac_94
    @mac_94 23 дня назад +174

    I’m glad that they let them be more physical in the playoffs! This team is a lot of fun to watch on defense

    • @garretnarjes782
      @garretnarjes782 23 дня назад +17

      It's ridiculous in the arena. The hometown crowd LOVES to cheer for defense this year.

    • @BrightNights645
      @BrightNights645 20 дней назад +3

      @@garretnarjes782yep because the NBA is allowing physical play

  • @TolbertOseiOwusu
    @TolbertOseiOwusu 23 дня назад +188

    Another world class content from Ben Taylor . The wolves have put the suns in jail . Great defensive schemes and individuals are winning their matchups too . Great coaching and execution from players

  • @Dako4real
    @Dako4real 23 дня назад +274

    BABE BABE NEW THINKING BASKETBALL JUST DROPPED!

  • @Ace-vd5uh
    @Ace-vd5uh 23 дня назад +133

    I hope wolves win it all so Gobert can prove all the players calling him overrated wrong.

    • @antokarman2064
      @antokarman2064 23 дня назад +23

      It could lead the renaissance of devensive bigs in the age of 3pt shooting

    • @thedman05
      @thedman05 22 дня назад +21

      If anyone can take down Denver it’s the wolves. The wolves defense is the only thing I can suspect would stifle Denver’s near perfect offensive composition and schematics

    • @MrDiMES123
      @MrDiMES123 22 дня назад

      He is overrated but I see he improved a bit

    • @Ace-vd5uh
      @Ace-vd5uh 22 дня назад +15

      @@thedman05 yeah. I'm rooting for the wolves. They have the height and thr bodies to slow down jokic. They also have the personnel to shutdown murray.

    • @Ace-vd5uh
      @Ace-vd5uh 22 дня назад +14

      @@MrDiMES123 his offensive bag maybe the problem but the wolves gm knows that. Wolves paid gobert tremendous amount of money not because of his offense. They just want him to be the anchor of their defense. They habe KAT and ANT and other players to shoot.
      I thnik players call him overrated because of the amount of money he received from wolves and the trade package he was traded for. They think that the guy doesn't have the offensive bag to be making that ton of money. I think they are just jealous, calling him overrated.

  • @CowboyChuntis
    @CowboyChuntis 23 дня назад +85

    Nickel Alexander-Walker is incredible. He is a plus 42 in 60 mins played in the first 2 games of the series

    • @michaelahurt
      @michaelahurt 23 дня назад +14

      Honestly when they have him, Ant and McDaniels together it feels unfair.

    • @MrDiMES123
      @MrDiMES123 22 дня назад +1

      He plays with so much effort and exuding stamina

    • @Rawn38
      @Rawn38 22 дня назад

      @@michaelahurtya they usually used to sit McDaniels down and put naw in they play crazy when they playing together

    • @richborn6700
      @richborn6700 22 дня назад +7

      Insane considering he also played ALL 82 games. He was basically a freebie in the Conley trade and has been invaluable this season. The teams he's bounced around on before Minnesotahave to be kicking themselves.

    • @t4d0W
      @t4d0W 22 дня назад

      @@richborn6700 Could be argued as such but I always thought he was a role player that needed the right situation. He wasn't going to get that playing for the Pelicans who have found their new wing guys and the Jazz who are looking to lose every year. Plus his stock was low so if there was a time for Walker to get his stock up, its for the Wolves.

  • @rickharrison1737
    @rickharrison1737 23 дня назад +196

    Wait, but I was told Gobert was a playoff liability that gets played off the floor every postseason?

    • @johnmarkson1998
      @johnmarkson1998 23 дня назад +2

      this video is basically just explaining why rudy matches up so well against this team specifically. lets wait until he faces a team with proper rim pressure and a shooting big before judging him.

    • @rickharrison1737
      @rickharrison1737 23 дня назад +75

      @@johnmarkson1998 Durant and Booker are spectacular at exploiting drop coverage and Minny has been just fine with hedging and even switching Rudy in the pick and roll and the results speak for themselves. He is shutting down all of the claims that he’s one dimensional on defense or that he’s just a rim protector. His versatility is on display this series. But I do agree, the Suns high volume mid range shots make Rudy’s rim deterrence look even better than it usually is.

    • @bearbrannon
      @bearbrannon 23 дня назад

      ​@@johnmarkson1998I've watched enough Wolves basketball this year to know they aren't worried. Jaden Naw and Gobert are cheat codes on d

    • @xavierb9061
      @xavierb9061 23 дня назад

      Suns run nurkic n eubanks peefect for gobert.

    • @xaviershelviejohnson5771
      @xaviershelviejohnson5771 23 дня назад

      Thaaaaank youuuu. The rudy hate Is retarded. Nation wide. No one likes this dude but however you slice it he's right there at the top of the best defender of his Era list.

  • @coldmountainsaga
    @coldmountainsaga 23 дня назад +35

    Truly spectacular defense from this Wolves team. An intensity and hustle that you rarely see today. How many other teams can say they have bull-dog defenders for every position?

  • @twist3dgUt4219
    @twist3dgUt4219 22 дня назад +17

    People disregard Gobert because of his numbers but when you watch the wolves games, you see how much impact he makes on defense. Yes he's had bad games, but overall, he has been a monster in defense

    • @fabtech0771
      @fabtech0771 20 дней назад

      Pple on social media and the Media clown on him because they only look at the lowlights and the stat sheet. You see Gobert's impact by watching and anilysing the games. Thank god the voters aren't stoopid and actually do so. He's this year's DPOY by a mile no matter what casuals on social network say

    • @twist3dgUt4219
      @twist3dgUt4219 2 дня назад

      Except when its Jokic against him, bro got COOKEDDD 😅

  • @kyleketelsen7302
    @kyleketelsen7302 23 дня назад +19

    Amazing what happens when the defense is allowed to get aggressive with the offensive players. Alot of the regular season offensive moves/ball handling goes away. It's enjoyable to watch

  • @delcastilloian
    @delcastilloian 23 дня назад +74

    TIMBERWOLVES ARE SOMETHING MOST NBA TEAMS ARE MISSING NOWADAYS !!! THANK GOD TIMBERWOLVES BROUGHT BACK THE INTENSE DEFENSE

    • @pazpazpazpazpaz
      @pazpazpazpazpaz 22 дня назад +1

      BRO IVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO SAY THIS

    • @charleybarley914
      @charleybarley914 22 дня назад +2

      85 Bears and the 2024 Timberwolves!

    • @jimbrewer5048
      @jimbrewer5048 18 дней назад

      Defense yet fun with and attitude. Anthony edwards is an absolute dogg

  • @kgtd2160
    @kgtd2160 23 дня назад +21

    11:10 we call those Neverminds in wolves fandom😂
    The best screen navigator on this team is NAW and he's even better than Jaden in that regard because he gets skinny just enough to the point of slipping through the screen and stays attached to his matchup. He is an absolute menace with his length and quick hands and also has underrated strength down in the post. He's arguably the biggest x-factors on the team alongside Jaden because if he can make at least something like 3 3s a game with his elite defense, that team would be extremely hard to beat.

  • @donaldmacisaac8479
    @donaldmacisaac8479 23 дня назад +66

    Minnesota “like a pack of wolves” you say? Funny that

  • @hawkname1234
    @hawkname1234 22 дня назад +16

    The difference in scoring in the second half of the season, and then ticking down again in the postseason has been incredible. Would love to see a quantitative analysis on that from Thinking Basketball in the post-season. And I don't think people are complaining. Defense has a chance to play now, and it makes the game more fun,

  • @mockingbirdex3450
    @mockingbirdex3450 22 дня назад +12

    Rudy surrounded by good or great defenders (as well) is a terrifying proposition.

    • @fabtech0771
      @fabtech0771 20 дней назад +1

      His best defender on those jazz teams was Mike Conley, now the least efficient defender on the starting 5 is Mike Conley, that says a lot. The defensive leader that he is can finally shine, no matter what casuals say on social media

  • @alvolante4164
    @alvolante4164 23 дня назад +45

    I thought the solar eclipse had ended.

    • @arendmelby5106
      @arendmelby5106 23 дня назад +2

      Ironically we were blind on the wolves but now can we see.... idk sorry lol

    • @Jonathan-A.C.
      @Jonathan-A.C. 17 дней назад

      Fire, no cap

  • @The_Catalyzt
    @The_Catalyzt 19 дней назад +3

    This Timberwolves defense gives me hope for the league! Lockdown defense like this is just as fun to watch as good offense imo, and makes for a much more competitive game. Love to see it.

  • @Daveyjdigital
    @Daveyjdigital 23 дня назад +17

    Jaden McDaniels is so clutch in big moments he is my favorite nba player

  • @masons9541
    @masons9541 23 дня назад +12

    I have been telling all nba fans I know about the wolves this year and how it is a playstyle that we haven't seen in a long time. Offensively a bit stagnant sometimes but the defensive pressure they play with is electrifying, it can really swing momentum and the crowd. Amp up the home crowd or quiet the road one, probably plays a part of their great road record also. Glad we get to see it take another step up in the playoffs with a tighter whistle.

  • @user-nu7on8ob4m
    @user-nu7on8ob4m 23 дня назад +43

    I’ve never been a fan of KAT, but I have to acknowledge that his effort levels and communication on defense have also been excellent. He’s the weak link on this team, no question, but opponents have not been able to target him the way they once did.

    • @arendmelby5106
      @arendmelby5106 23 дня назад +10

      For sure. Self-proclaimed best big shooter of all time, and he has been team-first. From what was reported, he was the most welcoming to Rudy last year. We forget how young he is for being in his 9th season.

    • @garretnarjes782
      @garretnarjes782 23 дня назад +9

      He's the biggest liability in the starting line-up, but he's also a huge source of offense which we desperately need. He's extremely skilled and can get buckets, but it's his inability to read/react to what is going on that makes him rough to watch. So many times he catches the ball and decides he's making a drive, but waits 3 seconds for the defense to get ready.

    • @WheresWaldo05
      @WheresWaldo05 23 дня назад +7

      For his liability through his career he i still ranked well above average this season as a individual defender. I would say Morris is our worst defender right now. Of the playoff rotation of guys actually playing. He moves like Kat but as a point guard. Clunky flat feet. Yet much smaller than Kat.

    • @t4d0W
      @t4d0W 22 дня назад +1

      Defensive effort wise he's gotten better but in comparison to ANT whose explosiveness in scoring is more rewarding, KAT's offense still reminds me of a hyper efficient 3-and-D wing. There will be games where he looks amazing attacking closeouts or his jumpers are going in. But outside of those games his offense can fall flat when you need him to do more. Which may be what separates the Wolves in a series vs the current NBA champs in the Nuggets.

  • @bdkq1902
    @bdkq1902 23 дня назад +15

    Now this is a different Wolves. They can guard their shooters really tight, even on the backcourt to throw the rhythm of the opponents off. If the Nuggets and Wolves won, this would be a rematch, and I’m okay with either of them winning.

  • @joshuawilliams2447
    @joshuawilliams2447 23 дня назад +11

    Why isn’t no one talking about how good Alexander is at guarding this year dudes playing smothering defense he’s so Mf good at offense at well dudes clutch

    • @winter9242
      @winter9242 23 дня назад +4

      NWA has always been a great defender though? Only casuals don't know how great he is defensively. I can remember him shutting down SGA last year

    • @michaelahurt
      @michaelahurt 22 дня назад +1

      No one where? Thinking Basketball has been talking about him all year. Pretty sure Zach Lowe has. Pretty sure Simmons and Russillo have. I'll bet Jason Timpf has and Hoop Venue did a video on how good Minnesota's defense was 2 months ago and predictably had a section on NAW.
      Honestly if you didn't hear people talking about NAW this year I'd change who you're listening to going into next year.

    • @richborn6700
      @richborn6700 22 дня назад

      I'm so happy for that family. Shai and NAW both in the top three in the west conference and playing lights out ball in the playoffs. You know when they used to play in the driveway this was what they hoped to get to

    • @t4d0W
      @t4d0W 22 дня назад

      I've been low key good on him since his Pelicans days. Glad to see he's found his best fit with the Wolves who need that productivity from wing defenders.

  • @antinapay
    @antinapay 23 дня назад +18

    This is like Pistons 04 level defense

    • @bearbrannon
      @bearbrannon 23 дня назад +6

      Been saying that since pre season. Whole reddit post and all

    • @WheresWaldo05
      @WheresWaldo05 23 дня назад +1

      Terrible take. Pre season means nothing. You need actual regular season games to see thr comp. You cant just guess they will do this then when they do say i told you so. Cause they could have been not that🤡

    • @JKernx
      @JKernx 22 дня назад +4

      @@WheresWaldo05bro what are you smoking this is the playoffs

    • @WheresWaldo05
      @WheresWaldo05 22 дня назад

      @@JKernx You on drugs? He said he knew during pre season the wolves were going to play defense like this in the playoffs. But you cant. The pre season is not the regular season. Little lone the playoffs. Or can i say i knew in the pre season that Karl Anthony Towns was going to tear his mcl the last month of the season? Thats literally the same goofy guessing mentality of a fairy take then dubbing that you knew it the whole time. Get woke clown.

  • @pedrogiraldo4367
    @pedrogiraldo4367 22 дня назад +6

    This is the best defensive team in the last 15 years. They have one of the best group of perimeter defenders i've ever seen on the same team, and the icing on the cake is that if you get passed that harassing backcourt ball preassure you have to try and lay it up over the best paint defender in the last decade...

  • @russellchung3119
    @russellchung3119 23 дня назад +42

    This team is legit. I'm not a fan of the Timberwolves, but the media is not giving them nearly enough credit.

    • @xavierb9061
      @xavierb9061 23 дня назад

      Still close being 1st ed exit

    • @9InchHandle
      @9InchHandle 23 дня назад +4

      People are focusing on too much of Wolves past. If you actually watches their game throughout the season and not highlights, they are a new team for more focus and hungry. It doesn't hurt that they are small market team and not a lot of prime time games throughout the season. Wolves were #1 majority of the season. They been proving people wrong this season. They don't care what people say about them as they are proving people wrong.

    • @alexnica7895
      @alexnica7895 23 дня назад

      Because phoenix is not legit. Anyone would look good vs them. They’re a lottery team in wolves clothing

  • @Tysonyar
    @Tysonyar 23 дня назад +15

    This matchup and some other playoff matchups look way different under the officiating last year. It's not like they are calling it like Heat-Knicks in the 90s or anything, but there's enough additional contact to allow physical teams like the Wolves to disrupt touch guys like Durant and Booker.

  • @OhDuur
    @OhDuur 22 дня назад +6

    9:20 I love that you showed the key communication between Gobert and Ant, it's shows what team defense mean and above all what a defensive team leader means

    • @fabtech0771
      @fabtech0771 20 дней назад

      Gobert has always been like that, but now that he has actual competent defenders around him his efficiency skyrockets

  • @justvincenturb
    @justvincenturb 22 дня назад +5

    Ive never really paid attention to defense in the NBA because in recent years its always been about score score score. It's crazy to me how unique this Wolves defense is playing and how much impact it's having.

  • @JAPSICLE
    @JAPSICLE 23 дня назад +10

    With how well the Wolves play right now, they might just be able to win it all.

  • @isaacharris137
    @isaacharris137 22 дня назад +5

    The consistent quality of these videos over the years is just insane

  • @igotclampsonhof6288
    @igotclampsonhof6288 23 дня назад +67

    The Minnesota timberwolves have jaden McDaniels

  • @magicmagic8188
    @magicmagic8188 23 дня назад +5

    I love watching good defense. Ben’s breakdowns makes them even sweeter

  • @orthodoxos1971
    @orthodoxos1971 23 дня назад +14

    You already know from book and kds faces at the presser after game 2. They know it’s not only over but hopeless. They got nothing coming
    The suns are a middleweight going up against a prime heavyweight.
    Lucky to get 1
    The two heavyweights in the west are Denver and Minnesota. I’m giving the edge to Denver this year.
    Dark horse contender is OKC in the west and I’m looking at Boston as a shaky favorite to come out of the east. But I don’t trust them either as they have been feasting on a much much much weaker conference to get that record
    This year the championship will be effectively second round nuggets v timberwolves. WCF and then finals will be easier by comparison.
    That’s my outlook at this point.

  • @3rose13
    @3rose13 23 дня назад +6

    The scariest part is Ant isnt even the main scorer

  • @Colinkrauss1
    @Colinkrauss1 21 день назад +1

    11:33 that mirroring by Ant is incredible here.
    So much respect goes out to players that can defend this well. What an impossible job, needing to always be the one reacting to the offense, always one step behind. But then have this level of success.
    Makes you wonder how many nba players *could* be great defenders if they would just commit themselves to maximum effort, and sacrifice their energy to make sure the most difficult jobs get done.

  • @Evrgreens11
    @Evrgreens11 23 дня назад +28

    People are JUST NOW learning about the Timberwolves defence… can’t wait till they show the world how well they can match the Nuggets (and beat them)

    • @uuh4yj43
      @uuh4yj43 23 дня назад +1

      can being the operative word there

    • @ChrisTookFlight
      @ChrisTookFlight 23 дня назад +2

      They ain’t beating them, Timberwolves offense is still pretty bad they aren’t gonna be able to out execute the Nuggets in the clutch.

    • @avihs2845
      @avihs2845 23 дня назад +2

      ​@@ChrisTookFlight
      Timberwolves in 6

    • @earholeentertainment5866
      @earholeentertainment5866 23 дня назад +1

      @@ChrisTookFlightit’s gonna be a long series. Either team could take it.

    • @berlin4103
      @berlin4103 23 дня назад

      When you'll see an all time great offensive masterclass from nuggets you'll realize.​@@avihs2845

  • @josephmatthews7698
    @josephmatthews7698 22 дня назад +3

    Remember when everyone was calling the Gobert trade the worst ever and people were calling for him or KAT to get traded? Cracks me up.

  • @johncwod
    @johncwod 22 дня назад +2

    If the Jazz had any good perimeter defenders, Gobert's trade value probably would've been even higher.

  • @thesadboxman
    @thesadboxman 22 дня назад +2

    This defense is so beautiful. So much grit on display

  • @Grindchasers
    @Grindchasers 23 дня назад +6

    I’m a jazz fan, we had Alexander-walker. I have no idea why we never played him, also I don’t understand why we didn’t hound the ballhandler because no way is anyone scoring on Rudy, so sad🥲

  • @Mektek19
    @Mektek19 23 дня назад +3

    I said it at he beginning of the second half of the season, Minnesota plays old school defense: they are like the 90s Bulls. They fight over screens a lot despite having the personnel to switch everything and then pick you full court sometimes. Modern NBA players are too lazy to do that. It helps so much if you can really stay in front of your man. Ant and McDaniels about to be a modern version of Jordan and Pippen defensively.

  • @TakedaMauro
    @TakedaMauro 23 дня назад +10

    "Beal can't even get by Rudy Gobert"? Saying it like it was an easy thing to do in the first place. Rudy has been great on every rotation and iso on Phoenix "big 3"

    • @Thanosdidtherighthing
      @Thanosdidtherighthing 11 дней назад

      He’s horrendous guarding in space.

    • @TakedaMauro
      @TakedaMauro 11 дней назад

      @@Thanosdidtherighthing this answer right here shows that you haven't been watching this playoffs at all. I even doubt you watch basketball beyond a couple of highlights videos. What a casual.

    • @Thanosdidtherighthing
      @Thanosdidtherighthing 11 дней назад

      @@TakedaMauro The advanced stats agree with me but sure get emotional

    • @TakedaMauro
      @TakedaMauro 11 дней назад

      @@Thanosdidtherighthing show us the advanced stats then.

    • @Thanosdidtherighthing
      @Thanosdidtherighthing 10 дней назад

      @@TakedaMauro I’m a CASUAL….. But they blew out Denver without Rudy lmao

  • @maxbe5544
    @maxbe5544 22 дня назад +1

    NAW and Jaden have been absolute hounds defensively this series. Theyre playing so well its making the dpoy look like the 3rd best defender on the team, despite him also playing phenomenal defense. Unreal

  • @pesky19
    @pesky19 22 дня назад +2

    when ant puts in effort hes a top on ball defender

  • @earlchristiancatan7354
    @earlchristiancatan7354 23 дня назад +3

    Rudy finally have great wing defenders unlike Utah that only focus on offense.

  • @AnacondaHL
    @AnacondaHL 23 дня назад +4

    This is the most Suns shit ever 🙃

  • @TheMegaStPatrickShow
    @TheMegaStPatrickShow 18 дней назад

    This was a excellent video king from background music to how you broke down film ❗️ salute ❗️

  • @nbapbaupdate8338
    @nbapbaupdate8338 7 дней назад

    Jaden McDaniels & Rudy Gobert INSANE DEFENSE 💪🔥💪

  • @lordsangone
    @lordsangone 23 дня назад +12

    Defense has been so underrated and underused in this era of the NBA. I think defense is making a comeback and these new younger players are showing signs of it. I remember when superstars werent just known for offense but defense as well (80s and 90s). The era of team-stacking is coming to an end. Offense heavy teams do not always work. I think the phrase "defense wins championships" is coming back and its great to see. It makes the game more balanced and watchable.

    • @MrDiMES123
      @MrDiMES123 22 дня назад

      Only Anthony Edwards or Wemby are the new 2 way superstars

  • @martinblake2278
    @martinblake2278 23 дня назад +3

    Yeah I noticed those missed opportunities that game. Main reason why Wolves can do this is because Suns just don't have any elite passers. Watched the game and there were just so many missed opportunities like: would have been easy layups and dunks that Booker, Durant, and Beal just can't read or manipulate. If it was against a team that has an elite passer or shot creator on the level of a Lebron, Jokic, Luka, or Haliburton, that hyper aggressive style of defense would be punished a lot and exploited. Overall, 15 super easy points were totally missed just because Suns stars don't have that player that has Hawk eye court vision and high level game manipulator. And lastly, Suns just have 1 style to beat opponents and that is overload on midrange and 3s. If they shot well, they can beat this team, but if they don't, goodluck to them.

    • @4Kamm
      @4Kamm 22 дня назад

      I think there purposely playing them hyper aggressive like this because they have no point and ate us in the midrange every regular season game this year. rudy usually doesn't play this high or switch in isolation however since nurkic is not a threat it better to put than pressure on their big 3

  • @GustavoSilva-ny8jc
    @GustavoSilva-ny8jc 23 дня назад +2

    1:06 THIS IS INSAAAAANE, never seen something like this, it could change the whole dynamic of the game, even the rule. Looks exciting (as an adversary would be hella stressful)

    • @MrMujinn
      @MrMujinn 22 дня назад +1

      Gegenpressing

  • @user-kn2td2zn9w
    @user-kn2td2zn9w 18 дней назад

    I love this video so much it was so entertaining I came back to watch it again

  • @LetsTalkAbout1125
    @LetsTalkAbout1125 23 дня назад +6

    The Wolves got Jaden McDaniels and the Suns don’t have a competent (back up) PG who can handle high pressure situations🤷🏿‍♂️

  • @bambon5568
    @bambon5568 23 дня назад +3

    I just noticed that the Timberwolves could be NBA champions this year and that feels weird

    • @Ace-vd5uh
      @Ace-vd5uh 23 дня назад +1

      I think so too. Wolves vs nuggets in wcf. Whoever wins will just destroy ecf champion.

    • @cashcaleb-sc8pq
      @cashcaleb-sc8pq 23 дня назад +1

      @@Ace-vd5uhthey’re both the 2 and 3 seed. So they’ll face in the wcsf. I believe the winner of that series will win the championship

    • @Ace-vd5uh
      @Ace-vd5uh 23 дня назад +1

      @@cashcaleb-sc8pq yeah. I'm rooting for the wolves. They have the height and thr bodies to slow down jokic. They also have the personnel to shutdown murray.

    • @avihs2845
      @avihs2845 23 дня назад

      ​@@Ace-vd5uhJaden McDaniels

  • @Ghostrida_777
    @Ghostrida_777 19 дней назад +2

    At 5:51 Rudy got smacked with the ball from the rim😂

  • @petasmith6258
    @petasmith6258 23 дня назад +2

    As probably the most respected Basketball Analyst on RUclips, (not something I say lightly, with all due respect of course!) could you please do a video on the free-throw discrepancy in regards to the Lakers having over 1000 more free throws then the next highest team?!?

  • @phillipbell4394
    @phillipbell4394 23 дня назад +19

    This is kind of a sad way for KD to go out. His foot is on the line for game 7 of the Nets, and runs out of gas in overtime. He gets swept by the Celtics who get dominated by Curry. Then he goes to the Suns where the defense is bad to the point where Jokić eats them alive. Dude literally drops 53 and 11 assists in one game. So the Suns try to get yet another superteam while having no understanding of the fact that KD operates best with a point guard on the floor (if they can do anything they REALLY need to go after Tyus Jones in free agency), and now after making the playoffs he's getting absolutely hounded by Ant. I really hope this isn't how is career ends.

    • @JokicisbetterthanEmbiid
      @JokicisbetterthanEmbiid 23 дня назад +21

      He literally did this to himself tho 🤣

    • @alvolante4164
      @alvolante4164 23 дня назад +1

      Wise words

    • @Oppenheimer1967
      @Oppenheimer1967 23 дня назад +7

      Yea but he’s averaging 24, 6 and 6 on 63% TS so the important question is how does this affect Lebron’s legacy ?

    • @marox5450
      @marox5450 23 дня назад

      @@JokicisbetterthanEmbiid ? no he didnt lmao

    • @duncanonme8744
      @duncanonme8744 23 дня назад +15

      ​@marox5450 He left OKC, then left Golden State, Brooklyn imploded. Each decision led to where he is now. Presti's shown to be a great team builder given time, and Golden State would've been the favorites in the West even now with KD. Instead he helped form a "super team" in Brooklyn, and when that failed he asked for a trade that got him to Phoenix.

  • @ImBarryScottCSS
    @ImBarryScottCSS 22 дня назад +3

    Alternative title for this video: Why Wemby is NOT the DPOY.

  • @jadude119
    @jadude119 23 дня назад

    👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
    Thank you for this analysis sir, great work!

  • @JJaaasss
    @JJaaasss 23 дня назад

    By far my favourite video from this channel!

  • @menaceonbike5893
    @menaceonbike5893 23 дня назад +3

    I don't really have a dog in this race, but how legal is all of this? Like there are plays where players can't dribble because there is literally an arm across them preventing them from moving a particular direction. Like at 0:10 Ant is reaching into Beal's space without even getting a hand on the ball. I'm all for giving the defense more leeway but its hard to imagine any player managing to do a lot in a situation like this.

    • @slipslop4
      @slipslop4 23 дня назад

      booooooo

    • @jadencasto
      @jadencasto 23 дня назад

      In the example you gave, he is literally called for a foul

  • @luislaureano228
    @luislaureano228 22 дня назад +1

    As a basketball fan... how could anyone not marvel at the defensive masterclass the TWolves are displaying. Ant, NAW, JMcDaniels are like a trio of dobermans on the perimeter. And to add insult to injury... you have Gobert on the interior patrolling the paint and he is nimble and quick enough do guard on switches on the perimeter. And btw, Conley was an all-defense team once upon a time in his prime, but he still a capable defender. KAT can defend but he picks quick fouls and something he should work on. As a long time Lakers fan... I am SO jealous, lol! If the Lakers had one capable perimeter defender... (sigh...)

  • @TravisC521
    @TravisC521 23 дня назад

    Awesome analysis and breakdown. Subbed

  • @larrymarket9658
    @larrymarket9658 23 дня назад +1

    This is brilliant analysis. That baseline inbound play where Book screened Mike, I hope Finch and co. picks that up during film study this week. That was a smart call by Vogel and they’ll probably try that again.

  • @penn0116
    @penn0116 23 дня назад +1

    This was an awesome breakdown of the Wolves defense against the Suns. Thanks for this!

  • @GustavoSilva-ny8jc
    @GustavoSilva-ny8jc 22 дня назад +1

    That was incredibly amazing, one of my favorite videos from u. They clearly tried to fix Rudy perimeter lack of help

  • @jimbrewer5048
    @jimbrewer5048 18 дней назад

    Very nice analysis great job.

  • @martinohadley1712
    @martinohadley1712 20 дней назад

    Great video!

  • @TrykusMykus
    @TrykusMykus 22 дня назад +1

    That last clip is some egregious travelling, he went from the midcourt to the basket with 1 dribble haha 11:49

    • @austincarlson9270
      @austincarlson9270 22 дня назад

      Lol yeah it looked so natural i didnt even catch that.

  • @Drezmunjin328
    @Drezmunjin328 19 дней назад

    Always great analysis!. Love from Australia. ❤

  • @alastairchong4824
    @alastairchong4824 22 дня назад

    I've loved watchin the twolves in the playoffs! They've got a chip on their shoulders after bein swept in the reg season n you can tell they play for each other cuz they just care so much on Defense. Great job Ben on showing the nitty gritty of this beautiful basketball!

  • @ubongabasi9110
    @ubongabasi9110 22 дня назад

    Lovely video. You've gotten a new subscriber

  • @MooreTainted
    @MooreTainted 20 дней назад

    Great stuff 💎

  • @davispo7550
    @davispo7550 21 день назад

    Reminds me of what the Raptors were trying to build with the great 6'9" all-defensive wing experiment. However, they've got 7-footers to rim protect. You can really see that Finch was an assistant to Nurse in that time stretch

  • @pmc5443
    @pmc5443 21 день назад

    Great content 🐺🐺

  • @OwenHooper-mv4fm
    @OwenHooper-mv4fm 22 дня назад +2

    This is why I’m worried about my Nuggets against the Wolves. Our ball handling is awful outside of Murray and Joker. Murray can be a bit off with pressure too. I think when bringing th ball up the court, you need to have a “baby sitter” against the wolves- someone to kind of half screen/ jog to keep the defender out of the way past half court

    • @t4d0W
      @t4d0W 22 дня назад

      To be fair I find Murray to be a better ball handler than Booker overall. Wolves can get away doing this to the Suns because the lack of speed/handling/passing to get out of the full court and into the half court. If the Wolves try this too much against the Nuggets Jokic will play QB with his outlet passing to a cross-match down the other side. Or even Jokic can take the ball himself to the half court to get things started. Wolves would tire themselves out playing full court press and would rather save their energy trying to stop the Nuggets at their best which is half court.

  • @fredsmit3481
    @fredsmit3481 22 дня назад

    Great video! I didn't see the awesome defense when I was watching the game.

  • @joshbarker9043
    @joshbarker9043 19 дней назад

    Best breakdown I’ve seen. The whole league knows this team is doing something special, but slowing it down and highlighting our unique antics and abilities, shows it at a whole new level.
    Thank you

  • @yeetskeet3
    @yeetskeet3 22 дня назад

    It’s so beautiful to watch clamps like this

  • @Django19
    @Django19 23 дня назад +1

    I love watching good defense. I forgot which year it was but there was one year Rutgers had an elite college basketball team defense. All their guys were long and they just switched EVEYTHING. It was impenetrable.

  • @davidwoods7042
    @davidwoods7042 23 дня назад +2

    At the end of the day. The Timberwolves are doing a great job of not allowing Phoenix to get into any rhythm or routine. Even those pull up jumpers off the pick and roll drop coverage all the analysts said would be open are contested. The McDaniels clip at the 7:15 mark is bonkers

  • @math12nba
    @math12nba 22 дня назад

    these videos are so satisfying

  • @meechrawls
    @meechrawls 22 дня назад

    Not gonna lie this was absolutely beautiful to watch. Your breakdown was so good with an excellent delivery! Great vid my friend

  • @jhulbert697
    @jhulbert697 22 дня назад

    Great stuff Ben. Elston Turner and Micah Nori deserve immense credit for the work they've done with Minnesota's defense.

  • @user-mb5xn4vw1u
    @user-mb5xn4vw1u 17 дней назад

    great video

  • @dekox
    @dekox 22 дня назад +2

    It sucks that only one West team can play the Celtics, because there are quite a few that I would love to see trying. Wolves, Mavs, Nuggets, Thunder...

    • @ctoaun23
      @ctoaun23 22 дня назад

      Yeah true. At least the west 2nd round is gonna be absolute fire.

  • @tbsbloodheist8986
    @tbsbloodheist8986 22 дня назад

    Amazing!

  • @GaeSremmurd
    @GaeSremmurd 18 дней назад

    5:35 as a wolves fan i was like "wait, when did McLaughlin get in there?"😂 Jaden is "Seatbelt", J.Mac is Jordan McLaughlin

  • @user-bb3nx2iu4g
    @user-bb3nx2iu4g 22 дня назад +1

    JMac is Jordan McLaughlin. He's been in Minnesota a year longer than Jaden and JMac stuck for him early on. Jaden has a couple of nicknames and either The Seatbelt or Slim Jadey are the favorites.