New Look Wolves Learning Lessons

The post-KG era has begun in the land of 10,000 lakes, and its outlook is not as gloomy as many have perceived. After only two games this season many people have taken notice of this club, as what was supposed to be an easy win for our first two opponents ended up being a dogfight to the end.
In the Wolves home-opener, which I attended we showed much promise out of the gates. McCants lead the team to big first quarter leads, and made the sellout crowd roar when the lead grew to 14. The starting lineup, which had been in limbo all preseason seems set (until Foye returns) as all starters played very well. Our final starting five was:
PG: Telfair
SG: McCants
SF: Gomes
PF: Jefferson
C: Ratliff
As I said before, McCants seemed to be the emotional leader on the floor, while other players (Gomes and Telfair) took lesser roles. Jeffersons shot seemed off all game, but he still ended up with a double double to show why we just payed him the money! Ratliff (a pleasant surprise) Showd an array of post moves that were unexpected from a player acquired just to make salaries work in the KG trade. The team played well together, but couldn't consistantly get to the line, the biggest difference in the game, as Denver got to the free throw line twice as often and made twice as many. Denver hit some key shots, and our youngsters missed a few. It was a great learning experience.

Lesson 1: How not to close out a game.

Game two was almost the same story. Vs. the Knicks you expect to be able to drive the ball well and get to the free throw line, as their bigs are horrible defenders (Curry and Randolph). However, we only ended up with 10 free throws to their 39! That is something this team needs to work on to win games. Otherwise, we got off to another great start, and played well. McCants fouled out on a questionable call, but the Wolves still rallied back to be down 3 with 11 seconds left. Our tying attempt went to Antoine Walker (WHY!?!?) and he bricked the three. Overall a very well played game once again.

Lesson 2: Get to the free throw line!

Overall after two games people have found that this team will not be an easy 20 point win night in and night out as many suspected, but with Foye back in the lineup, could maybe contend for an 8th seed (that may be pushing it). However, for now, we will take it one game, and one lesson, at a time.