Game Thread 4: Bucks/Wolves
by Frank Madden on Nov 6, 2009 12:01 PM CST
in Previews
Email
PrintMilwaukee Bucks at Minnesota Timberwolves, Nov 6, 2009 7:00 PM CST
 |
vs. |
 |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 (0-2 road) | 1-4 (1-2 home) |
|
| November 6, 2009 - 7:00 PM CT |
||
| Target Center |
||
| Radio: 620 WTMJ TV: FSN Wisconsin HD |
||
|
Probable starters: |
||
| Brandon Jennings | PG | Jonny Flynn |
| Charlie Bell | SG | Corey Brewer |
| Carlos Delfino | SF | Ryan Gomes |
| Hakim Warrick |
PF | Oleksiy Pecherov |
| Andrew Bogut | C | Al Jefferson |
| 94.1 (29th) |
Off | 100.5 (23rd) |
| 95.5 (3rd) |
Def | 106.4 (16th) |
| 93.1 (15th) |
Pace | 94.3 (11th) |
News/notes after the jump.
The Kids. Jonny Flynn and Brandon Jennings went head-to-head in a series of team workouts leading up to the draft, then faced each other twice in the preseason for good measure. Now, finally, it counts. We all know what Jennings has been up to, but Flynn also seems to be holding his own pretty well. Minny fans would probably prefer the assists come up (3.6 apg vs. 3.4 to) but like Jennings his shooting has been much better than expected (.500/.667/.905) and destined to fall off.
Needless to say, both guys will be itching to prove they're the better rookie, which makes for a nice little subplot. I'll just be glad that Jennings gets another game against a young PG rather than a Billups, Paul, or Nash. Over at the Star Tribune, Jerry Zgoda writes that the Wolves' triangle offense isn't helping Flynn's numbers.
Catching up with Sessions. John Hammond and co. took plenty of flak for letting Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva to walk, especially after shipping Richard Jefferson out of town for salary relief. But at least in the very early going the Bucks haven't missed out on too much. Villanueva is averaging 11 ppg and 6 rpg on 39% shooting through Detroit's first five games. RJ is putting up 11.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg on 46% shooting. And Sessions brings averages of 5.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 2.6 apg in 22 mpg into his first regular season matchup against the Bucks.
Perhaps most interestingly, Sessions has managed just five free throws in five games, a stark contrast to a year ago when he averaged nearly five FTA per game. I haven't caught any Minny games so I'm not sure what the explanation is, though Bucks fans probably aren't feeling too bad about swapping Sessions for Jennings. Sessions for Ridnour is still a different story.
Despite those modest numbers, Kurt Rambis has praised Sessions' discipline in running the triangle offense he imported from L.A., and there was at least some talk that Sessions could supplant Flynn in the starting lineup. It's technically not the first time Sessions has seen the triangle--you might remember Larry Krystkowiak made an aborted attempt to use some triangle in Sessions' first training camp in Milwaukee. The Bucks gave up on it fairly quickly, but I'd imagine it didn't hurt Sessions' ability to pick things up more quickly.
Stewie! Around the league, Oleksiy Pecherov seems to be known as much for his resemblance to the cartoon baby from Family Guy as he is for his game, but that might be changing. The Russian Ukrainian seven-footer is slated to make his fourth start tonight at PF following a career night (24 pts, 8 rebs in 34 minutes) against the Celtics on Wednesday. Now in his third season, Pecherov had his fourth year option declined on Monday, so he's playing for a contract now. Similar to Joe Alexander, aside from the obvious fact that Alexander was a much higher pick (8th vs. 18th) and the Bucks only gave him one year to prove his stuff. So not really that similar.
Pecherov's perimeter-oriented game will match up against Hakim Warrick, who's coming off a high-volume double-double (11 pts, 5/15 fg, 10 rebs) in his first start of the season in Chicago. While Pecherov was a good rebounder a year ago, he's no Kevin Love and that will be good news for the Bucks, who got manhandled by the Minny bigs in their preseason opener against the Wolves. Pecherov also has only 11 assists in his career, which is bizarre even for a guy who hasn't played all that much.
Gardner reports Kurt Thomas has fallen behind Dan Gadzuric in the center rotation as well. Given I always give Gadz the business, some kudos are in order for his early season play.
84 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Wolves fan here
One default suggestion would be that Warrick’s athleticism poses a problem. He tore Minnesota up this preseason once. Last year with Memphis, however, it was a mixed bag for Hakim. He had 20 points once, he scored 2 once.
Bogut can pretty much step back from Al Jefferson’s defense any time he wants to take an outside shot. At this point Jefferson doesn’t have his legs quite back, and it’s going to take a while. Al’s a poor defender in any case, even when healthy — though he’s made a sincere effort, he’s not consistent by any stretch of the imagination.
Corey Brewer is an out-of-control player. He’s not consistent, offensively we cringe when he touches the ball, but on defense, well, he’s disruptive in a way you don’t see often. Truly an entertaining player. Thinnest legs you will ever see on a 6-9 NBA player.
You’re also watching a Minnesota team that’s using a triangle scheme about half the time. That in part is responsible for the odd distribution of assists across the roster — Jonny Flynn’s low totals being one example.
Thanks for the update!
Gonna be tough to win if Bogut doesn’t at least play Al even. He tried facing up more against the Bulls and it helped get him going, as he’s deceptively quick for a guy that size. Then he went back to the post more in the second half.
Beyond that, Warrick’s probably the key guy. We probably can’t count for Jennings to score 20 every night, and Warrick’s the only guy who can get to the line with any consistency.
Jennings vs Flynn
Top two rookie scorers going at it… SAWEEET! Check out this article bout Jennings titled “A Message from Brandon Jennings… Suck it”
http://www.thedailybore.com/thedailybore/2009/11/1st-in-scoring-1st-in-assists-tied-for-1st-in-steals-5th-in-rebounds-last-summer-the-college-basketball-world-rediculed-t.html
I'd also add that
Pecherov’s assist rate (or lack thereof) can be explained by his nickname: “The White Hole”. The ball enters his orbit and his teammates never see it again.
Judd: "...I've since watched some Steven Seagal movies and I realise that pressure points are no laughing matter.".
Nice Chris Judd byline :)
Never thought I’d see a reference to AFL on a US based NBA Blog!
Frank, not having seen much footage of the opening few games, how is Bogut’s movement on defence? I make an assumption that if he’s making 3 blocks and taking 10 def rebounds it must be ok?
All the way from Melbourne to you
..and I’m no Carlton fan….
Judd: "...I've since watched some Steven Seagal movies and I realise that pressure points are no laughing matter.".
jennings vs flynn
Top two rookie scorers going at it… SAWEEET! Check out this article bout Jennings titled "A Message from Brandon Jennings… Suck it"
http://www.thedailybore.com/thedailybore/2009/11/1st-in-scoring-1st-in-assists-tied-for-1st-in-steals-5th-in-rebounds-last-summer-the-college-basketball-world-rediculed-t.html
knicks fan
i hate my team for not drafting jennings. seriously. HATE
twitter.com/aighttho
http://howmuchyouthink.tumblr.com/
Was that Walsh’s call? You’d have thought D’Antoni would really appreciate Jennings’ skillset.
Not being a college hoops watcher, I could see the appeal on paper of Hill as an active, athletic big. And Jennings scared the hell out of me before the draft (good and bad), so I can see why teams had their concerns…but that’s why they should have been scouting him and making him jump through hoops before the draft.
Ukrainian
Pecherov is Ukrainian, not Russian. Aleksei = Russian, Oleksiy = Ukrainian.
Isn’t the triangle the kiss of death for point guards who can’t shoot? Isn’t that the point, spreading the floor for swing players to create, not PGs? You know, Fisher, Armstrong, Paxson, etc? Which of them is a creator? Nice system for the personnel there…
I wanna see major contribution for Luc Richard. Is he still ailing in his knee from running into Elson or what? He doesn’t seem quite himself thus far early in the season.
I think Jennings looks for Bogut more tonight.
Bucks 94
Minny 89
He’s been a bit lost in the fray, and it definitely hurts his offensive game when there isn’t anyone on the court who can score. Now he’s having to put up shots late in the clock and look to do things that aren’t really part of his game (though he did hit a tough turnaround in Chicago). He’s looked to slash a bit more the past couple games which is encouraging—I know he’s worked on his jumper, but it doesn’t seem like that’s a real weapon yet. I can’t recall how much of Deng’s monster night was with Luc guarding him, but both he and Delfino are very good rebounders for swingmen, so there’s no excuse for Deng to be getting 20 boards.
Ideally you surround him with scorers, let him fight for garbage and focus on defense. At the very least it would help to get him on the court with Jennings and try to get out in the open court.
Fixed the Pecherov thing, thanks.
I’m not sure what the rationale was…apparently they don’t run triangle all the time. You’d assume Rambis would want to make the best of the talent he has, not try to force guys to play the way his old (and much better) team did.
The triangle is in it's embryonic stages
in Minnesota. You’ll see it about half the time but the squad doesn’t suit it right now. Not enough outside scoring threats, Al Jefferson not a natural passer out of the post on doubles, etc.
I think it will look substantially better with Kevin Love on deck and with a better swingman down the track.
Judd: "...I've since watched some Steven Seagal movies and I realise that pressure points are no laughing matter.".
Some odds and ends:
From Bucks.com:
Milwaukee has allowed 28.7 points-in-the-paint through 3 games, the lowest in the league. In each of the first 3 games, they’ve won the battle in the paint with an average of 36.7 points to 28.7 (110-86).
Milwaukee has forced foes into 19.3 turnovers/game (3rd in the league) and has converted those miscues into 21.3 pts/game, the 3rd highest figure in the league.
jennings vs flynn
Top two rookie scorers going at it… SAWEEET! Check out this article bout Jennings titled "A Message from Brandon Jennings… Suck it"
http://www.thedailybore.com/thedailybore/2009/11/1st-in-scoring-1st-in-assists-tied-for-1st-in-steals-5th-in-rebounds-last-summer-the-college-basketball-world-rediculed-t.html
Another Wolf Fan Here
We’re Taking Over! LOL…Just here wishing you guys good luck tonight!
PS..Thanks for JJ Hardy :)
Not a Problem man
Despite how much we hate each other in football..I will be glad to help a neighbor out in any other sport :)
That's going to hurt..
…Big Al is going to go nuts on the backups for the rest of the 1/2.
Forever splitting the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs
www.canishoopus.com
Man how bad is New York?
Losing to the Cavs 40-21 at the end of the1st..Lebron has 19 points,
Just an awful start
Bogut takes a tough fall, then gets two fouls against…Jawai.
Meeks having trouble dribbling, catching, and shooting.
Now Ridnour/Meeks/Delfino/Ilyasova/Thomas. ouch.
Maybe you'll get lucky when the Wolves match with...
….Hollins, Wilkins, Pavlovic, Cardinal, and Hart.
Forever splitting the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs
www.canishoopus.com
He's really good...
…and we thank Senator Kohl for not cutting the check.
Forever splitting the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs
www.canishoopus.com
Wolves lead 24-16 after 1
Bucks only shooting 33% according to the broadcast.
Bucks probably lucky not to be down more...
Seems like Minny’s winning the rebound battle by a lot more than 11-9…already six offensive rebounds.
Lots of ball movement
But no one who can make shots. That could be an issue…
Also, I thought Jennings got Bogut two dunks in the first, but he’s only been credited with one assist. Road effect?
Jennings 1-5 Early
Thanks for the jinx job Frank.
While we're apportioning blame...
I’m going to blame all of Meeks’ crappiness on that article you wrote about him :)
Blame Accepted
He looks more nervous than a 15-year-old at the Playboy Mansion.
Are they just blatantly trying to job Jennings out of assists?
Didn’t he get Bogut that big dunk in the lane, a dunk off the back cut, and a layup off a backut? And a catch-and-shoot for Ersan’s three? Nobody dribbled on any of those. Then again, both teams have a combined 10 assists on 29 field goals, so maybe the scorekeepers just aren’t paying attention.
The scorekeepers..
…are paying attention to the same action as the refs. It’s been brutal all around. I can’t believe some of these calls. Absolutely brutal both ways.
Forever splitting the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs
www.canishoopus.com
Jennings is 2 for 10
Geeeeeez, can he stop shooting for once? lol.
Anyone know if they were open shots? I’m guessing not. Part of the learning curve.
…
I wish they’d give Jennings all of his assists, he’s on my fantasy team. It’s not cool.
I support the Tornado Release ... and Young Bucks.
Assists
I noticed that too. What is going on here? Maybe they’ll fix it later. They screwed up the first quarter score too initially.
How is Brandon Jennings -7 and nobody on the Bucks + anything?
Is Ukic splitting time between PG and SG or something?
I support the Tornado Release ... and Young Bucks.
Why on earth doesn't Ridnour pass it there?
Luke’s the worst finisher on the planet. Just too small.
Bogut vs. Big Al
Wolves need Al (3/10, 7 pts) to have a big fourth…they just don’t have the scorers to compensate for him being so quiet.
Bogut’s gotten it done with 15/9 through three, couple blocks and two or three charges. Warrick the big difference though with 11 in the third quarter.
he's a beast
however, he seems to be one of those players who puts the miles on his body quicker than others.
Forever splitting the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs
www.canishoopus.com
jennings vs flynn
Top two rookie scorers going at it… SAWEEET! Check out this article bout Jennings titled "A Message from Brandon Jennings… Suck it"
http://www.thedailybore.com/thedailybore/2009/11/1st-in-scoring-1st-in-assists-tied-for-1st-in-steals-5th-in-rebounds-last-summer-the-college-basketball-world-rediculed-t.html
I call this the "Brandon Jennings Effect"
when’s the last time a Bucks game thread had so many comments?
"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."
by Mitchell Maurer on Nov 7, 2009 12:49 AM CST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Brew Hoop
Related FanShots on Brew Hoop
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
