The Minnesota Timberwolves were left disappointed by their failure to hold down home court in their opener against Golden State.
The opening win for the Golden State Warriors was even more eyebrow-raising considering because Stephen Curry was injured and missed the entire second half.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Jaden McDaniels attempted to explain their defeat, admitting: “When we play teams without their best player we kind of struggle sometimes.”
With Stephen Curry set to miss the next three games at least after the MRI to his hamstring injury came back, the Timberwolves clearly have as much to figure out as the Warriors.
Speaking to the media at practice after the loss, Jaden McDaniels admits the Timberwolves need to re-adjust.
With Curry now sidelined, McDaniels says the team now have to show a little added focus towards Buddy Hield.
He explained: “Treat Buddy like Steph, not let him have a game like he did last game.
“He’s kind of been doing that in the playoffs, so try to shut his water off.”
After a terrible 0-point Game 6 against the Rockets, Buddy Hield exploded for 33 points in Game 7 with a staggering nine threes.
And he continued against the Timberwolves with a 24 point performance shooting 5-8 from three, giving the Warriors the juice they needed to keep their lead with Curry out.
McDaniels added: “We just can’t let them get in a comfortable rhythm playing without Steph.”
Buddy Hield is an integral part of the locker room for the Warriors and he is contributing when it matters on the court.
Speaking after the game he explained how he went to check on Curry as soon as he could, and knew he had to step up.
Kendrick Perkins praised the impact the Warriors ‘winning culture’ has had on Hield since he joined the team a year ago.
Hield can of course still be erratic. During the Rockets series he posted low scores of 5, 4, and 2 along with his 0.
Now with Curry out there is a double impact of having to rise under the pressure, and now deal with the extra attention from the Timberwolves, who will be prepared.
