A quick glance at the scoresheet highlights the dominance of the Wolves‘ five over the Raptors‘. All Canadian starters have at least a +/- of -10, while all those opposite finished with a positive impact on the score when they were on the floor.
Before this match comfortably won against Toronto (112-101), Chris Finch‘s five posted a -14 together after the first two matches, one lost on the Lakers floor, the other won in Sacramento.
« It looks like things are starting to fall into place. The things that I can see and maybe build on are starting to fall into place. We have to keep doing it, especially in the most important moments, but it’s positive for these guys », congratulates Chris Finch, thinking of the 17-5 passed by his starters from the start.
Don’t get in Randle’s way
At the heart of this data, it is difficult to miss the new element of the local five, Julius Randle, and especially his association with Rudy Gobert. Their coach considers that the “spacing” existing between the two men and around them is already better than during the first match.
Part of the work falls to the French pivot who must adapt to a different attacking profile than the one for whom Julius Randle was exchanged, Karl-Anthony Towns. “ Knowing he’s going to attack with the ball in hand, I try to be in a place where I’m not in his way », note Rudy Gobert.
We think of one of the first actions of the match, when the left-hander attacked the circle on his strong hand from the 3-point line. Already close to the basket, the Frenchman raised his hand to claim the lob, but Julius Randle had open access and was able to finish without being hampered by the presence of his pivot.
Take advantage of his passes and cuts
« He is also able to find me if my defender helps, or if someone is late, find the shooter. We still have a long way to go, but it’s nice. It’s nice to see him work, he’s also a very good passer, so he’ll be able to find his teammates most of the time », analyzes the tricolor.
This is evidenced by the five offerings from the former New Yorker this night, to accompany his 24 points and 9 rebounds. Rudy Gobert also evolved in his register with his 15 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Julius Randle’s ability to cut also opens up options in the Wolves’ offense. It’s a point Chris Finch emphasized after the newcomer didn’t move much without the ball against the Lakers.
« That’s something I felt like I could really add to when I got here. When I played for Finchy in New Orleans, I feel like I did great in the cuts that year. It’s about being selfless, whether I score or not. It’s about creating corridors so that Ant (Anthony Edwards) can penetrate and Rudy can roll towards the circle. It can be a big part of my game », he judges.
