One of the positive surprises of the season. Minnesota seems to have taken an important step forward this season to sneak between the teams that fight for the playoffs in the Western Conference, where they are sixth with a balance of 11-10 after defeating Indiana (100-98).
Chris Finch’s guys are basing their game on defense. Last night they left the Pacers at 98 points and are the seventh best team in the NBA in rating defensive by allowing only 105 points per 100 possessions. To such collective work they add individual talent, and of course, that’s how triumphs come.
Against those of Indianapolis Karl-Anthony Towns went up to 32 points and 8 rebounds, D’Angelo Russell approached the triple-double with 21 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds, and Anthony Edwards continued his good season by signing 21 points and 9 rebounds. The Wolves coach was satisfied with the victory.
“I think the most important thing is that even with all the good things we did, I don’t think we had a great performance overall and we still managed to win. We did enough right things at the right times and, in general, in the second half our defense was prepared, ”he explains.
Triple-double of Sabonis
Indiana had his options in the game. Despite being almost 10 points down midway through the fourth quarter, they were able to equalize it to less than a minute (94-94) with two free throws by Domantas Sabonis. The inside of the Pacers was a nightmare for the Minneapolis team, as they captured up to 25 rebounds to conclude with a triple-double completed with 16 points and 10 assists. His effort was not rewarded, since in the final moments the Wolves were more successful.
Along with Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon stood out, contributing 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, but could not prevent the third defeat in four of his games. The point guard regretted having had victory so close. «I think it is a match that we should have won. We had some problems. Myles Turner wasn’t there, and he’s our defensive anchor around the basket. Despite all that, we still had a chance to win this match, “he concludes.
Falling in Minnesota leaves Indiana unable to catch up with the group of teams fighting for playoffs and spots. play-in. With a 9-14 record, they are three games behind tenth-ranked Atlanta Hawks (11-10).
(Photograph by Harrison Barden / Getty Images)
