Wolves vs. Kings: Statistical Analysis
Editor's Note: Check the new WolvesVision video player to view a Kings scouting report featuring Mark Madsen's analysis, in addition to pregame interviews with Randy Wittman, Corey Brewer and Ron Artest.
During Saturday’s 100-93 road loss to Sacramento, Minnesota’s starting five consisted of Marco Jaric, Greg Buckner, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson and Theo Ratliff. Guard Rashad McCants returned to the lineup after suffering an ankle sprain last week and played for 26 minutes.
We took a look at the fast starts and slow finishes, the free-throw disparity, guard play and more in getting ready for the 7:00 p.m. tipoff:
Fast starts, slow finishes: Before Saturday’s contest, the Wolves had opened up at least an eight-point lead in the opening quarter in their first four games. On Saturday, the Wolves jumped out to a 19-16 first quarter lead, but trailed at the half 42-39. Thus far this season, Minnesota is winning the shooting percentage battle in the first quarter (50.0 percent to opponents’ 39.2 percent), but in subsequent quarters, are shooting 40.9 percent compared to opponents’ 49.03 percent. The Wolves had a season-high 54 second half points on Saturday, but a season-low 39 first half points.
Free-throw disparity: Sacramento posted a 40-24 edge at the line on Saturday. The Wolves currently rank 27th in the NBA in free-throw attempts per game, and have lost the free throw edge in each of their first five games. However, Corey Brewer was impressive on Saturday, getting to the basket and drawing contact, converting all seven of his free-throw attempts. Perhaps he was motivated during Thursday's practice when coach Randy Wittman applauded a Brewer drive: “The Corey Brewer show, ladies and gentlemen!”
Turnover margin: The Wolves did turn the ball over three more times against Sacramento, but the Wolves are averaging four fewer turnovers than their opponents through their first five games. However, Minnesota is giving up more points off turnovers (15.6 to 18.2). On Saturday, the Wolves had 17 giveaways compared to the Kings’ 15.
Guard play: After missing Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Rashad McCants returned in style, canning 16 points and grabbing four rebounds. McCants’ presence also gives the Wolves a chance to mix up defensive matchups with Kevin Martin, who went for a field day on Saturday…
Taking care of Kevin Martin: Martin was really tough on Saturday, scoring 29 points. His 6-7 frame makes it difficult to play solid pressure defense because of his capability of nailing the three (3-of-6 on Saturday) or his versatility in the post or on the dribble drive. Martin shot 17 free throws, seven shy of the Wolves’ total as a team.
Interior play: Jefferson tallied his fifth consecutive double-double on Saturday, raking in 17 points and 12 rebounds, but would like to get to the line more effectively (only four foul shots attempted in first meeting). Brad Miller and Mikki Moore will likely alternate picking up Jefferson. Miller and Moore aren’t stellar scorers (Miller went for 12 and Moore five), but their principle assignment will be doubling Jefferson and forcing him to pass out of the double-team.
