In playoff mode, the Wolves are getting closer to the podium

Even if the desire of Anthony Edwards, of finish undefeated for the rest of the seasonwon’t come true, the Wolves took the last third of the season the right way. This Monday morning, Chris Finch’s men are in 4th place Western Conferencehot on the heels of the Rockets, 3rd, and they had a double whammy last night.

By dominating the Nuggets from the great Nikola Jokić, the Wolves avoided being swept in the regular part of the season, and at the same time overtook Denver in the standings.

“We identified this match as a playoff match for us,” Chris Finch explained. “They have the advantage in the tie so we have to stay in front of them. That meant we had to win this game. We were mad at ourselves on Christmas Day. We let this game slip away and we can’t wait to get back here to make amends.”

Same analysis with Rudy Gobert which recognizes that some games are more important than others. This was one of them. “Our records were the same before the game. So we knew it was a big game. We know how tough the Western Conference is and we’re here to win the title. We’re trying to get home field advantage and every game is important. This one maybe counted a little more. It’s important to beat them and get the win. So it’s a big win for us.”

Minutes gained without Jokić on the field

It was achieved by a real collective performance and we must remember that. In the last matches, the Wolves are less dependent on Edwards, and his partners have come more into their own. Jaden McDaniels scored 10 points in the first half on the night, while Ayo Dosunmu scored seven. Next to them, Bones Hiland caught fire as the rest of the team struggled offensively. The former Nuggets backup point guard finished the first half with 15 points on 100% shooting.

“We have to save the minutes without Jokić on the field”summarizes Finch, about the contribution of other knives. “We’ve been inconsistent on this the last few years. … Bones was spectacular today. He played with a lot of pace, attacked the rim and forced things. I also loved his defense. He was really competitive. … I think Ayo raised the level of play when we needed someone to slow Murray down just enough in the second half. And then Naz found his players on offense and was very good on offense. five to watch.

The ultimate proof that Wolves were in play-off mode, Chris Finch used just eight players.