Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels need to step up on defense

« To be honest, I’m very worried about this at the moment. » Chris Finch’s concern is clear: the level of defense his team has shown at the start of the season. With 119.8 points and 100 possessions, his Wolves are among the worst players in the league after four games (27th defense).

The first result is all the more surprising considering that the Minnesota team finished in 6th place last year (110.8 points), and especially first the year before (108.4 points). ” We need our all-around players to set the tone more, whether they are at the forefront of the offense or under the rim », asked the coach after Monday’s 127-114 loss to the Nuggets.

Two men are therefore in sight of the coach: Rudy Gobert etc Jaden McDaniels. The former, a four-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year trophy, is below his usual standards (9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks) and has had several encounters with fouls.

The second, selected among the league’s best defensive five in the 2023/24 season, suffered greatly against two very different direct opponents: Luka Doncic, who poured in 49 points on the Wolves’ defense, then Jamal Murray, who scored 43 earlier in the week. In both cases, Jaden McDaniels had a lot of trouble staying in touch, following screens and contesting snaps.

« I don’t know. I’m not defending myself properly “, blurted out a confused Jaden McDaniels. ” All those screens…I just didn’t wear them well enough, I guess. I don’t know. »

Rudy Gobert wants to set an example

« Jaden needs to be tighter at the point of attack, a little more physical with his opponent. Rudy needs to challenge more near the circle », claims Chris Finch, whose speech resonates with his French headquarters. ” He is right. Everything starts with us. We’re a defense-oriented team, and whether it’s me on the inside or Jayden on the wing, a lot of the mindset that we try to instill in the team starts with us ».

The latter, as the team’s defensive anchor, believes he must set an example to reverse the current trend. Especially since with the loss of their main offensive weapon, Anthony Edwards, the Wolves could rely more on their defensive curtain to win.

« I have to set the tone every minute I’m on the pitch. I set the standards for the team. So it definitely starts with me. It starts with me and our ability to hold each other accountable at the highest level », also says the tricolor pivot.

His longtime playing partner, Mike Conley, expects a more collective response. ” All five players have to share the same mindset and be connected in what we do. We had too many individual situations there, and some of the starters were not present enough on the weaker side. It’s all in the game plan », summarizes the veteran, whose team meets the Lakers the following night. This time without Luka Doncic, but with Austin Reaves in very good form, and who he will have to control.