It is now certain, the Clippers will go to Minnesota to try to win a direct place in the Playoffs! On the other side, the Wolves will have a lot to do to offer themselves a first participation in postseason since 2018. Come on, let’s settle down comfortably, we get a little coffee, and we chat.
Very nice opposition than the one that awaits us in the middle of next week! As spring and especially the good weather arrives in California, it’s time to enjoy the beach and the volleyball nets (and some have understood this in LA), what better way for the Clippers to freeze their ass in Minnesota to play a qualification in the Playoffs? Alright, there’s no choice, so they’ll go, but not without our friends the Clips’ trust. And yes, of the four confrontations between the two teams this season, Ty Lue and his men have won three, including the two in Minneapolis, and that, psychologically, has its effect. However, there is no question of underestimating the Wolves in terms of motivation. The last participation in a basket ball competition taking place following April 15 dates back to 2018 for the KAT gang. Yes, it’s been four years already, so no question with the number of young princes that the franchise has to let the Playoffs slip away once more.
And what are the keys to this confrontation? Well there are several so prepare your keychain. We start with the locals, who can count on their attacking trident made up of Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell. It’s even one of the keys to the confrontation, because without disrespecting Ivica Zubac, if it plays the pick and roll well on the Wolves side, it smells of programmed destruction for 48 minutes. It will also be necessary to be right on the outings behind the arc, because Charles Antoine is shooting at… 40% success from the parking lot this season. Alongside this trio, a host of players who sail a little below 10 units on average, with the bonus of Lieutenant Malik Beasley who can put out a strong match if necessary, and a hustle core herded by Naz Reid, Pat Beverley and/ or Jarred Vanderbilt. So there are plenty of weapons in Minnesota to ensure a successful outcome to this SO important basketball game.
However, we should not neglect the best team in Los Angeles, which also has premium assets. To begin with, Paul George will be there in flesh and blood, and this is rather VERY good news for the Sailboats. No Kawhi Leonard on the other hand, even if the guy was seen shooting recently during some training. Tyronn Lue can still count on SEVEN players with more than 10 points on average, the contribution of points will therefore be varied, but pay attention to the matchups which might reduce the contributions of some. We especially think of Ivica Zubac who will eat the kit but especially the KAR over 48 minutes, good luck boy. We mentioned Ty Lue just before, he will also be one of the determining factors of the match. Place in the Top 8 a team without its two stars? The guy controls his group and has proven it both humanly and tactically. Double up on Towns in defense? The option may be the right one, because in front of D’Angelo Russell it is painfully 34% in long-range shooting and because LA has weapons defensively, for example Nico Batum. Finally, we remember that Tyronn is also the guy who offered himself a certain Steve Kerr in his duel of coaches in 2016, so cushy is able to adjust to a dry match.
Boom, big confrontation in perspective for this first match of the play-in of the West. If the loser of the match is not definitively eliminated from the race for the Playoffs, however, defeat is not an option for anyone. So, which of Charles-Antoine Villes or Paul George will guide his people to victory?
