Stripped Gears

It's apples and oranges, but...

this team is reaching depths of Brewster proportions. I know the guy has to watch his repaired back, but I can see Wittman at the end of the game, laying flat and prone on the hardwood, trying to will a free throw or a last minute shot into the hoop. It's that bad, and getting worse, especially on defense.

After reading this morning's boards and MSM, one would conclude that:

1) Wittman would like to challenge someone to a parking lot brawl
2) Jefferson has grown tired of being told they're young.
3) Mr. Robson enjoys beginning his blog with an accolade about himself. Of course, he does share a tip of the kudo to his readers, which is a credit to him.
4) Stephen Litel wants to be like Britt Robson.
5) The Iron Ranger is giving everyone the silent treatment, at least until mid-season, victory 10, or the end of the season, whichever comes absolutely last.

People can once again blame illness, injury, incompetence, or basketball IQ for another loss, but the key to winning is forcing the other team outside their comfort level. After having a halftime lead, the Wolves knew the Warriors were going to step it up, especially on offense. At that point, the team needed to play rock steady defense, and not turn the ball over. They could do neither, and when you combine the fact that seemingly everyone on the Wolves club--offensively speaking--wants to demonstrate leadership by jacking up shots, you have the perfect equation of a loss. The Wolves needed to force the Warriors inside the three point arc, not give them easy buckets via transition, and force them to make baskets under duress. However, a little of what Wittman said post-game was correct; they hung their heads and folded. Defense is all about intensity; you can't be be feeling sorry for yourself and expect to play good D. Baron Davis showed the club how much he respects them by draining a three at the very end of the game. If that doesn't make someone angry...

At the core, the Wolves have no extra gear to kick into, no mental toughness. It's been that way for a long time, but with this cast of characters, it's all too evident. No toughness, no strategy, no execution. Just losing games in embarrassing fashion. Like Tim Brewster.