ClutchFans Game Thread: Timberwolves @ Rockets 2/21/2025

I know. Thats why I said you are wrong Jalen and FVV are levels above Sheppard and Holiday.

You are right once a player gets inside the arc FVV has a hard time stopping players because he is short...but thats why he can stay in front of his man and prevent drives inside to begin with. A lot of times FVV plays defense like a linebacker he is always leaning against his guy just getting in their way preventing them to get in the paint or bothering them trying to swipe at the ball.

Reed is a bad defender, defense isnt just about swiping at the ball its about staying in front of your man and Sheppard has lead feet constantly gets blown by his guys even without a screen. He plays soft and doesnt stick to his man on defense, he doesnt lean on his guy and try to push him out of position unlike FVV who plays physical defense going chest to chest all the time. You should slow down video and take a closer look clearly you are missing things if you think FVV is a bad or even mediocre defender he is arguably the best 6'1 defender in the league and you think Sheppard is a good defender who just doesnt get PT lol wtf.

Jalen is an elite defender he doesnt have the best instincts or high bball IQ but he can use his insane burst to get in opponents way and prevent them from having clean looks at the rim. He is super athletic and can move laterally very quickly so he can play switch defense with no problem. If you are as athletic as Jalen Green all you really need to be a good defender is take it seriously and JG tries hard on defense, he doesnt mind getting physical. Of course there are games where his loses focus we all know he is inconsistent and immature but when he is locked in he is an elite defender.



We all know Ime Udoka cares about defense more than anything else the fact Jalen and FVV plays the most is a sign they are good defenders.

 

I agree adjusting to the game seems to be Ime's biggest problem lots of time he benches the hot hand and brings in closers who have been sucking all game.

 

YES, TATE IS OUT !

DD

 

I believe you're right. Sengun might be in pain.

 

It's almost game time gentlemen.

 

I think you misinterpreted what I said. Reed is not good on defense… he is good at anticipating passes and has intercepted several but he can’t stay in front of his man.I joking referred to him not being able to get on the court because of his shooting …was not advocating for him being out there because he’s a good defender. Again,he is good in the passing lanes otherwise his defense is not good.Jalen IS athletic and moves pretty good laterally but I don’t see him as an elite defender. JMO