Power Rankings Notebook: Inside slow starts for Wolves, Lakers

Each week, we dive into the latest NBA happenings to bring you the most interesting storylines from around the league. In this edition, we take a closer look at the slow starts for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wolves’ trade for Gobert has yet to produce desired results

The Minnesota Timberwolves came out of the gate strong, winning four of their first six games. However, those wins came against teams that were expected to finish near the bottom of the Western Conference. Since then, the Wolves have struggled, losing five of their last six games. Their 5-7 start is disappointing, especially considering the relatively easy schedule they had at the beginning of the season.

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One area of concern for the Wolves has been their offense. Despite the addition of Rudy Gobert, their offense ranks 19th in the league. The pairing of Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns has not been as effective as anticipated, with the team struggling to find rhythm when both big men are on the floor together.

Jump shooting woes continue for the Lakers

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The Los Angeles Lakers have had their fair share of shooting struggles early in the season. They currently rank last in 3-point percentage and 29th in mid-range field goal percentage. The team has been unable to consistently knock down shots from outside, which has impacted their offensive efficiency.

Last season, the Lakers also faced similar shooting challenges. Despite having six players who shot the league average or better on at least 100 3-point attempts, the team still ranked in the bottom half of the league in 3-point percentage. This season, their shooting woes have continued, both inside and outside the paint.

Haliburton’s defensive prowess shines through

Tyrese Haliburton has been a standout player for the Indiana Pacers. He has shown great offensive skills, averaging 21.6 points and 9.9 assists per game. However, it’s his defensive instincts that have caught the attention of many. Haliburton has displayed a high basketball IQ and impressive anticipation, often disrupting opponents’ fast breaks with his timely deflections and steals. His ability to read the game and make impactful defensive plays has been instrumental in the Pacers’ early-season success.

Off to a hot start

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While some players have struggled with their shooting efficiency this season, others have seen significant improvements. Several players have experienced notable jumps in their effective field goal percentage compared to last season. These improvements highlight their dedication to enhancing their shooting skills and the impact it has had on their respective teams.

The effectiveness of the face cut

Sometimes, the simplest actions can be the most effective. One such example is the “face cut,” where an offensive player cuts in front of the face of their defender. This maneuver can catch opponents off guard, as it goes against the expected movement on the court. Players like Devin Booker have utilized this technique to their advantage, creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teams.

These are just a few of the intriguing storylines we’re keeping an eye on this season. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest NBA action.

FAQs

Q: Is shooting the main issue for the Lakers this season?
A: Yes, the Lakers have struggled with their shooting, ranking last in 3-point percentage and 29th in mid-range field goal percentage.

Q: How has Tyrese Haliburton performed defensively?
A: Haliburton has showcased excellent defensive instincts, using his high basketball IQ to disrupt opponents’ fast breaks with timely steals and deflections.

Q: Which team has had a disappointing start to the season?
A: The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a disappointing start, winning only five of their first 12 games despite having an easier schedule.

Summary

In this week’s NBA Power Rankings Notebook, we analyze the slow starts for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Wolves’ trade for Rudy Gobert has yet to yield the desired results, especially on the offensive end. Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to struggle with their shooting, ranking last in 3-point percentage and 29th in mid-range field goal percentage. We also highlight the defensive prowess of Tyrese Haliburton and the effectiveness of the face cut technique in creating scoring opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest NBA action.

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