Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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The fans at the Target Center were treated to two impressive victories this week. Head coach Kurt Rambis made a significant adjustment by placing Ryan Hollins in the starting lineup, which seemed to balance this Wolves squad. In addition to increasing defensive intensity, improving offensive execution, and overall solid play, Hollins was one of the key factors to Minnesota's quick turnaround. The high-energy post player recorded 19 points against the Clippers and 16 in the victory over New York on Sunday.
"In all honesty I didn't expect Ryan Hollins to play 30 minutes in these two ball games. I wasn't anticipating that but he played so well he earned the time. He did a great job out there," Rambis said.
At Monday's practice session, the players regained their swagger after notching back-to-back wins for the second time this season. Jonny Flynn reiterated this point, "The good thing about it is we are really playing good basketball right now and that is all you can ask for. I think over these last two games we have really exerted a lot of energy on both ends of the court and it turned into W's."
With four days to practice in preparation for a matchup against Dallas, the Wolves are utilizing the time to rest and work.
"Just continue to focus on the things that we've been doing to get wins as a team," Wayne Ellington said. "Continue to defend as hard as possible, plays as hard as we can and leave it on the floor. I think we have done a great job of that, bringing the effort early in ball games and the result we've been getting is wins."
Getting Physical
Most of the chatter at practice surrounded taking charges. This defensive art form has been witnessed over the last two games with several of the Wolves accepting physical contact to force an offensive foul from the opposition.
"Taking charges is just as good as blocking a shot," Ellington explained. "It makes defenders think before they come in there free to lay the ball in, they got to worry about getting an offensive foul. That is something that we have been working on and getting a lot better at."
Rambis described a drill where each player had to record three legit charges during an entertaining practice.
"There was some apprehension when they started but by the end of it, they were all laughing and cheering each other on and there was some funny moments in it as well but it's just to let them know that's what they have to do," Rambis said.
And, the player reaction?
"I had to take one from Nate and that was painful," Ellington laughed.
Flynn discussed the type of mental approach it takes to step in front of another player who is most likely streaking at full speed down the floor.
"It takes a lot. I got my first charge against the Clippers; the whole bench stood up and was pretty happy for me. It just takes a lot, you have to be willing to stand in there and withstand the hit. A lot of people can do it; I'm going to start taking more charges because I'm quick enough to get to spots," Flynn said.
The team will remain in Minneapolis for tomorrow's practice and then board a plane for Dallas on Wednesday.
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