Loved all of this, especially the piece about how infrequently the T-Wolves are using their bench. I didn't see it mentioned, but how regularly did they use 6-10 during the regular season? I ask because we all know the adage that "the bench gets shorter in the post season," but THIS postseason at least, both Indiana and OKC are showing that it doesn't really have to, at least if it's not due to injury.
The Wolves are playing 8 players, plus the occasional Terrence Shannon Jr. which isn't atrocious. What stands out more to me is how many players the front office brought in who aren't playing. The stars are visibly exhausted and have so many rested teammates. Not sure it's much of a change from the regular season, but FTR Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham each played more than 500 minutes this regular season.
Henry, thanks for the substantial info. Watching, it hasn't FELT like they're playing 8/9 guys, but I guess that the main players look so exhausted by the 4th is probably why. Also, kinda wild that both Dillingham and Clark played over 500 min, but can't seem to sniff the floor now. That's not an insubstantiatial number. And we know that OKC is REALLY good, but they weren't always. And I know that you and Coach think at some point you have to see if the players are going to sink or swim. It's a heck of a time to decide they need more swimming lessons when their teammates are out there starting to drown.
Both series are now 3-1. The stat on teams down 3-1 coming back to win in NBA history is less that 5%. In your opinion, are we set for a Thunder-Pacers Finals?
Loved all of this, especially the piece about how infrequently the T-Wolves are using their bench. I didn't see it mentioned, but how regularly did they use 6-10 during the regular season? I ask because we all know the adage that "the bench gets shorter in the post season," but THIS postseason at least, both Indiana and OKC are showing that it doesn't really have to, at least if it's not due to injury.
Thanks as always, Henry and Coach Thorpe!
The Wolves are playing 8 players, plus the occasional Terrence Shannon Jr. which isn't atrocious. What stands out more to me is how many players the front office brought in who aren't playing. The stars are visibly exhausted and have so many rested teammates. Not sure it's much of a change from the regular season, but FTR Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham each played more than 500 minutes this regular season.
Henry, thanks for the substantial info. Watching, it hasn't FELT like they're playing 8/9 guys, but I guess that the main players look so exhausted by the 4th is probably why. Also, kinda wild that both Dillingham and Clark played over 500 min, but can't seem to sniff the floor now. That's not an insubstantiatial number. And we know that OKC is REALLY good, but they weren't always. And I know that you and Coach think at some point you have to see if the players are going to sink or swim. It's a heck of a time to decide they need more swimming lessons when their teammates are out there starting to drown.
Both series are now 3-1. The stat on teams down 3-1 coming back to win in NBA history is less that 5%. In your opinion, are we set for a Thunder-Pacers Finals?
That would be quite the Finals, and I have to think it would favor the Pacers at least a little, plus a possibility of scores like 130-138 on the avg.
Holy Thunder vs. Ungodly Pace?