Post-game: MIN whacks Steph-less GSW; GSW still makes it close enough to hurt

Brought it back to within 7 before the wheels fell off

Be respectful to each other.

Apricot In-Game Notes

• I think BP can be helpful, but MIN was stopping all his PNR drives with 1-on-1 defense in Game 1. So I’m skeptical of BP this playoffs as an offense generator from a standstill.

• I know this has been rocky, but MIN is quite sloppy as well. HOU would already have opened up a 20+ point lead.

• Defense has actually been good. MIN should feel embarrassed to be up only 14

• At this point, Dray is on track for two suspensions, on the flagrant track and the technical track

• Uh…. ANT MAN? Series doesn’t need more injuries

• TJD landed on Ant’s ankle, ouch. But Ant walked off with a limp, might recover? Reminds me of Steph’s ankle injury when Russ landed on his ankle in the bang bang game.

• I was expecting this game to be a bunch of experiments, but if GSW continues playing energetic defense — and PLEASE follow the game plan… Randle is only allowed to go left, strip Gobert when he brings the ball down, don’t let MIN shoot 3s — and MIN continues to be mediocre… GSW has a chance to turn this mega feel out game into grand larceny

• And of course, no more dangerous play from Dray please

• Seriously, HOU would have had us down by 30 (and did) if we played this crappy offense against them. GSW is figuring out stuff on D and getting the outline of an offensive plan. Not saying that GSW can come back, but MIN should be embarrassed if this is less than a 20 point win.

  Ant being in doesn’t surprise me — I was comparing this to Steph’s bang bang game where Russ landed full on Steph’s turned ankle. But Steph came back to immortal effect. Now tomorrow, that ankle may be trouble for Ant

• I love the fight, and I find MIN’s body language perplexing. Exasperated and nervous after the initial beating didn’t crush GSW’s spirit. Team wide version of Drago when Rocky doesn’t give up

• I don’t think that’s a travel on JB

• Okay, I can forgive Moody’s shooting being broken, but getting beaten for an easy dunk on a miss hurts.

  And TJD with an incredible catch on that alley oop

• Gui pulled immediately after the turnover pass to TJD for a pick-2

• Probably too late this game, but I think this no-Steph team can hang with MIN if it keeps turnovers low and plays that great defense. Lots of interesting film today. Trayce and JK showing some interesting film that might be repeatable too. Just need enough basic offense to score 90ish points in future games

• To my eye, JK looks like he tries harder on D when he’s involved in the offense. Not unusual for NBA players, but a little unusual for GSW