The Wolves have an interesting challenge in front of them on Tuesday evening as
they face the Phoenix Suns for the second time in three days. While the Wolves
won the first outing, it was far from a perfect performance. Minnesota will
obviously take stock of what worked in the game but they’ll also be trying some
new things–that’s especially important as Phoenix has a chance to adjust as
well after losing Sunday.
“You have a similar framework to things. It’s more like being in a playoff
series in a way–you tinker with things that didn’t work but the things that did
work you try to stick with them. So there are some adjustments on both sides,”
said Interim Head Coach Ryan Saunders.
One major difference is that the Wolves will likely be without Jeff Teague, who
is still trying to overcome a series of nagging injuries. It’s a tough break for
Teague, who has been struggling to stay healthy all season.
In his and Tyus Jones’ absence, Derrick Rose and Jerryd Bayless need to shoulder
the load for the team.
” has been really important, and the professionalism of him in staying ready,
coming in obviously in the middle of the season via trade, being able to play
both the one and the two and adjust and really just be ready, it’s a big credit
to him,” said Saunders.
Rose has a well-documented injury history, and with the Wolves thin backcourt,
he’s needed to take extra precautions to ensure he’s able to play every night.
“Normally a lot of people wouldn’t think about or care about how much recovery I
do every day or the day before games to actually play in the games. They
probably don’t think about it but I do a lot,” said Rose. “I call myself a
trainer now even though I don’t have none of the degrees. I know everything
that’s going on with my body but it all came from my injuries, I think I learned
from that.”
Rose borrows from the Wolves and travels with specialized recovery equipment,
and he is incredibly disciplined in making sure he is listening to his
body–particularly when it comes to balance.
“When I came back from my right ankle, during the game I overcompensate
sometimes because I’m trying to protect the side that’s hurting, and my left
heel was hurting so getting balance, that’s the biggest thing especially coming
back from knee injuries,” Rose said. “One little thing can throw off your whole
side, it goes from your ankles to your hips to your neck, and being balanced is
a part of my game. It’s the reason I’ll be playing well, shooting the ball well,
is because I’ve been balanced.”
All that work and focus is helping Rose put together his best season since
returning from injury. While some may watch the tape from his Chicago days and
think that Rose still has not returned to peak form, Rose himself actually
thinks he is a better player now than he was then.
“To be honest I feel like I’m better. I was reckless back then, I didn’t know
the game. Just look at my game now then look at my game when I played with the
Bulls. It was a reckless game,” he said. “Now I’m more poised, more under
control, when I do go to the basket I’m smarter, my IQ is a lot higher. I think
I got the complete package now. I can drive, take the shots their giving me, and
I’m shooting the ball pretty good right now. I think I’m a better player, that’s
just my opinion.”
For more on the Wolves’ matchup with the Suns, including how to watch the game,
check out our scouting report.
Player: Jerryd Bayless
Player: Derrick Rose
Media Content:
https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/shootaround-report-suns-double-header-and-r
oses-injury-management
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Minnesota Timberwolves, Jerryd Bayless, Derrick
Rose, Ryan Saunders, Minnesota Timberwolves
Media Thumbnail:
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Taxonomy: Shootaround Report
Story Link:
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oses-injury-management
