Monday Practice Report
Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Love's Impact
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"We'll see we are looking at teams and the matchups and where we go from there. There are teams were it might be beneficial for him to come off the bench and teams where it might be beneficial for him to start, so I will play with it," Rambis said.
Love played 24 minutes against New Orleans and 26 minutes in the win on Saturday night. There is no doubt that Love's ability to snatch boards, defend the post, and ignite the fast break is crucial to the success of the Wolves. On Monday, Love reiterated the team concept when asked about the importance of taking the court with the starters.
"It doesn't matter," Love commented. "If he wants me coming off the bench or he wants me starting, that's all up to coach. I know that I'm going to be in there, trying to get the job done. I think a lot of it is based on minutes, like I said, if I get enough minutes I feel like I can be productive and get into a rhythm."
On Hardwood Classic night, Love sported the original 1989 Wolves uniform while scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 boards in the victory. The second-year power forward felt a bit constricted in the throwback jersey despite helping Minnesota gain a 41-36 rebounding advantage.
"Doesn't do me justice looks-wise but I like how they look and if we keep winning, we'll keep wearing them. "They have to man; they have to cut it to my body. It's not like I'm a guys swimsuit model but I'm better looking than 300 pounds," Love laughed.
Ellington's Maturation
Over the past three games, Ellington has earned substantial minutes, averaging 25 minutes since December 2. At practice on Monday, Ellington admitted to facing adversity when adjusting to the NBA after a spectacular college career. Rambis feels Ellington's latest success is a result of hard work in the practice facility.
"He seems a lot more poised and patient. We have worked with him on some of his decision making, it seems earlier that he was obviously wasn't very comfortable in what we were doing and tentative and a result he was turning the ball over. His decision making when he had the ball in his hands, whether to shoot, pass or drive, they weren't accurate. In just talking with him and settling him down, he is making higher quality decisions and he is also doing a really good job defensive wise. He is very active; he is very aggressive, so he is accomplishing things for us at both ends of the floor," Rambis said.
Ellington is finding space on the perimeter, recording a stellar shooting percentage (61%) in games against Memphis, New Orleans, and Utah. Minnesota will rely on Ellington's production off the bench, especially quality outside shots.
Searching for Momentum
There is a sense that the team has turned the corner with superb victories on top of Denver and Utah. For the first time this year, Minnesota is looking to put together back-to-back wins in Toronto on Tuesday night. Rambis will forge ahead with the addition of offensive sets in the midst of a rigorous NBA schedule.
"We're going to continue to add as players get more and more comfortable and we see how teams are defending us and what they're options are, we've got to continue to expand and grow and look at other opportunities," Rambis said.
The Raptors feature a talented group and will test the new found confidence from the Wolves.
"They have a good combination in their starters and guys coming off the bench and keeping shooters on the floor, playing at a pace that is hard to play against all the time," Rambis added. "They've got an exceptional point guard in [Jose] Calderon, whose court vision puts a lot of pressure on your defense. Our overall defense, team and individual will be tested."
Minnesota boarded a plane this afternoon for Toronto and tipoff is set for 6 PM. On Wednesday night, the Wolves head back to Minneapolis for a rematch against New Orleans at the Target Center.
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