Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Minnesota will play a set of back-to-backs for three straight weeks. Tuesday night, the Wolves search for five consecutive victories against a team they defeated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. At today's practice, the squad focused on a specific defensive gameplan for the Sixers.
"Philadelphia scores a lot of points in the fast break, so we had to make sure we worked on that today," Ryan Gomes said. "Of course, they have guys that penetrate, so our 1-on-1 defense is going to be key tomorrow and then helping after because they have a lot of guys who penetrate, they don't really shoot a lot of long range shots so it's going to be a lot about controlling the paint and making them take contested shots."
Media members witnessed a completely different atmosphere at the practice facility; the enjoyment of winning ball games cannot be understated.
"When you win, it puts a lot of confidence in each other, in the coaching staff, in the players, and the things we are doing. As an individual, you have more confidence in your game when you are winning because you see the results, everyone is ready and patting you on the back. When it's going the other way, it's different because everyone is wondering, 'What am I doing wrong' but now when you are winning, you don't think negative at all," Gomes said.
Head coach Kurt Rambis is starting to see some positive signs from his improving team. On Friday night against Dallas, six Wolves reached double figures while Ramon Sessions Wayne Ellington and Damien Wilkins scored at least eight points off the bench. The following night, players took turns hitting crucial buckets to help Minnesota top the Grizzlies.
"We're doing things better, guys are executing our offense better, they're getting to spots quicker, they're moving the basketball better," I really like point distribution on our team, getting a lot of guys double figures, that's the type of situation I would like to have for our ballclub where the defense has to be occupied with everybody because everybody has the opportunity to score, the ball is moving, so I'm very pleased with that," Rambis explained.
Ellington's Eventful Week
Ellington will endure a busy and quite possibly an emotional week. Tuesday night marks the first NBA appearance for Ellington in his hometown of Philadelphia. He will then spend a night in Chapel Hill during the All-Star break as North Carolina plans on hanging his collegiate jersey in the rafters. At one of the greatest college basketball programs in the country, Ellington posted some prolific numbers and earned the Tournament Most Outstanding Player when the Tar Heels won the National Championship. Ellington scored 115 total points during the March Madness run along with recording 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting from the floor in the final game.
"I'm trying not to think about it, trying to not get too emotional. I know it's going to be tough, standing in front of 22,000 people, put my jersey up there, fans yelling and screaming, that'll be fun," Ellington said.
The rookie shooting guard is making major strides in his first season. After a slow start, Ellington has become a key contributor off the bench with his ability to hit perimeter shots, distribute the basketball, and add a defensive presence on the wing. The 28th overall pick in the 2009 draft feels he has undergone a dramatic change since the first time he stepped on to an NBA floor.
"Oh man, I'm a lot more calm, I'm a lot more comfortable. I'm really doing the things that coach wants me to do and I think it shows in the results. The game has definitely slowed down; I see a lot more things that I didn't see early in the season. Like I said, I definitely think I'm starting to take steps in the right direction," Ellington said.
The Wolves headed to Philadelphia today for the second matchup of the season against the Sixers at 6 PM on Tuesday night. Wednesday, the team quickly returns home to face Charlotte in the last game before the All-Star break.
Remember to check out timberwolves.com all week for comprehensive coverage of Jonny Flynn and Kevin Love's trip to All-Star weekend. You will be able to access video, audio, and photos of the journey for both players in Dallas.
For more news and notes on the team follow the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jonah on Twitter.
