Warriors outclassed by Wolves - wolvesjr34's Dynasty

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Warriors outclassed by Wolves

Posted on May 21, 2011 at 04:23 AM.

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Rider came out strong against the Warriors

Leading into the game against Golden State, the Timberwolves coach emphasized defence as key. The Warriors play an up tempo style of game, so when the chance was there to force them into mistakes the Wolves needed to do just that. They forced several turnovers early in the first against the Warriors and stretched a lead out to 15 points, but the bench for the Wolves struggled to find good looks and allowed the Warriors back in it. Wolves lead 33 to 29 going into the second quarter.

At the half the Warriors have cut the margin by a point to trail 55 to 58. For the Wolves they seem to be just taking their time and looking to play more half court offence and less run and gun. The emphasis has been on ball control while trying to force turnovers. Rider has 13 points to lead the Wolves while Flynn has 6 points and 10 assists at the half. Dorell Wright has 14 for the Warriors while Curry has 12.

The second half started disastrously for the Warriors with Curry and Biedrins both being forced to sit within the first minute for having accrued 4 fouls each. Rider was unstoppable driving the lane and earned himself a couple of and one situations as the Wolves took advantage and went on a 13 � 4 run to start the half, pushing the lead out to 12 points, forcing the Warriors to burn a timeout early in the half. After the timeout things only were made worse and even once Rambis subbed in the bench dwellers for some valuable game time, the Warriors just could not put a run of their own together. With Rider leading the way on 27 points and six other members of the team in double figures scoring already, the Warriors fell behind 83 to 103 at the final change.

The Wolves entered the fourth with a starting lineup of Telfair, Webster, Johnson, Dorsey and Pekovic, to provide some valuable rest time to the starters. The Warriors pounced on this opportunity, cutting the margin to 9 points, while Rambis refused to budge on the bench, he wanted to develop the depth of his team and insisted the bench players work through the charge being made by Golden State.

The Wolves bench pushed it back out to 11 only to collapse to the point of only leading by 1 point, at this stage Rambis decided enough was enough and subbed his starters back into the game. The Wolves had three and a half minutes to restore their lead, or face certain humiliation. Despite giving up the lead to the Warriors on a Dorell Wright (42 on the night) trey, the starters forced their way back into the game, with Flynn being the main play maker hitting a fade away to give them a four point lead late, and then calmly drilling his free throws as the Warriors tried to find their way back again. The Wolves held on 129 to 125 after allowing 42 points in the fourth quarter.