The Wolves have a unique challenge facing them on Friday night when they take on
a Spurs team that plays very differently depending on who is on the court.
Because of the differing skillsets of the Spurs’ starters and their bench, the
two units look almost like two different teams.
However, the Wolves, badly in need of a win to wash the taste of Tuesday night’s
defeat out of their mouths, are ready for the challenge.
“Guys have to have their antennas up with things, and then it’s one of those
things that you just keep driving home throughout the game,” said Interim Head
Coach Ryan Saunders. “Everybody has to really know who everybody is.”
Change At The Point
One of the challenges facing the Wolves tonight is the absence of Tyus Jones.
Jones has played very well this season and has grown into a significant role off
the Wolves bench as the point guard of their bench unit.
He drew a ton of praise from his teammates at shootaround on Friday and practice
on Thursday, but now they need to figure out how to compensate for his absence.
Luckily, they still have two starting-quality guards in Derrick Rose and Jeff
Teague, and a capable backup in Jerryd Bayless, who should be getting more run
with Tyus on the shelf.
“It’s a blessing that we have that much talent in this locker room that we’re
always able to say next man up and feel very confident while saying it,” said
Karl-Anthony Towns.
One difference in the Wolves’ scheme will be Bayless and Rose sharing point
guard duties off the bench–who is bringing the ball up and who is playing off
the ball will change play to play. That’s a challenge, but one the two players
feel up to.
“I’m taking it as a challenge, that’s life, it’s a part of being a pro and doing
whatever coach wants me to do,” said Rose. “I know we need this win and I want
to get it in a great way.”
The most important thing in all of this is that Jones take his time and not rush
back from injury. It’s better he misses a few more games up front than risk
re-aggravating the injury–ankles can be tricky.
“You got to take your time. Just when I left out the locker room Jeff was
telling Tyus to take his time,” said Rose. “Just come in and get your treatment
and stay on top of things so it don’t linger, become a lingering thing
throughout the rest of the year.”
Rose’s 10K
In Tuesday’s loss, Rose scored the 10,000th point of his career. The
significance of that accomplishment can’t be understated.
“The fact that he’s done it at a younger age, getting to 10,000 points, everyone
knows his past and what he’s battled through injury-wise with everything, so for
a guy like that to get to that achievement, that milestone, it says a lot about
him,” said Saunders.
Towns, who has long had a strong relationship with Rose, had some kind words
about his friend and teammate as well.
“When you’re talking about a guy who’s had some major up and downs in his
career, to be able to accomplish that milestone and still be standing on two
feet and playing this game, it shows his determination and unwavering confidence
in himself and also just never quitting,” Towns said. “Amazing player, amazing
person, I’m very happy for him because if anyone has a great story to tell while
getting to 10,000 points, he definitely has one.”
Facing Pop
Another significant feature of tonight’s matchup will be Saunders’ first time on
the sidelines facing Gregg Popovich. The two have a close relationship and it
will be interesting to see what Popovich has to say before the game to and about
Saunders.
“It’s a little surreal thinking about it because he’s a guy that all of us
coaches look up to–his system, his philosophy, and just everything on the
basketball court. Also, the one thing nobody should ever discount when talking
about him is his character,” said Saunders. “He was great to me when my father
passed, he was one of the first guys to reach out and really keep in contact
through things. It’s an honor to be going against him, I’m just glad it’s not
every night.”
The Wolves and Spurs tip off at 7 p.m. tonight, check out our scouting report
for more on the matchup including where to watch and how to get tickets.
Player: Derrick Rose
Player: Karl-Anthony Towns
Media Content:
https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/shootaround-report-point-guard-shuffle-10k-
rose-facing-popovich
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Minnesota Timberwolves, Derrick Rose, Karl-Anthony
Towns, Ryan Saunders, Minnesota Timberwolves
Media Thumbnail:
https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/sites/timberwolves/files/shootaround_cover_3.jpg
Taxonomy: Shootaround Report
Story Link:
https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/shootaround-report-point-guard-shuffle-10k-
rose-facing-popovich
