Game 1 post-game press conference between GM Spudspace of the Minnesota Timberwolves and GM Rootsey of the Denver Nuggets.

First up we have GM Spudspace.

Q: Paul seemed to struggle a bit in game, playing what he thinks is out of position at the four spot, Do you think its more his ability at that position or his attitude towards it?

Paul George was very disappointed in his game 1 performance, as was the front office.  Watching the game, he had tons of open looks, just missed them.  It wasn't an issue of being in the wrong position, I feel he can get his looks.  Honestly, my only worry is that the rating changes made him worse somehow, but he missed a ton of wide open shots.

Q: Avery Bradley was fantastic tonight, Do you think him finally being healthy could be a catalyst to a deep playoff run?

Avery picked up where PG13 left off.  He hit all his wide open shots, which was a great delight for the team.  We don't expect him to be a 20ppg scorer, but if he can average 15+, that would be great.  Much like we don't expect PG to be this bad, we don't expect Avery to be this good.


Q: While you won the game by 7 points, there appeared to be times throughout where you had the chance to put them away but lacked the determination to do so. Do you think that could be problem as the series goes on?

I definitely worry about putting teams away.  We were up by I think 13 at one point in the 4th, and it almost was lost.  We play great defense, but were giving up some wide open looks from downtown.  The team is stressing getting hands in faces on shots.


Q: GRIII was one of the guys coming under the microscope for this series. Has he given you a bit to think about with his efficient performance off the bench in game 1?

GRIII may well work his way into the starting lineup, his return was fantastic.  I am going with the old motto "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" for now.  We like how off the bench there are 3 scorers with GR3.  With PG playing the pf in the starters, there isn't enough shots to go around with Teague and Bradley as is.  Warren does a good job of not demanding the ball too much.  If the series changes, we may be moving GR3 into the starting SF spot.

Thanks Spudspace for your honest assessment. Now over to GM Rootsey!

Q: Your starting front court was a combined 7-19 from the filed and combined for just 15 points in 61mins. Do you see this as just first game jitters or a bigger problem?

We don't see that as a concern. The shooting wasn't the best, but sometimes the shots just don't fall. In previous meetings we've seen both gortat and ilyasova put up numbers against the Twolves . We may see what Markieff can do in the starting line up to get all up in George's face.


Q: Rookie Luwawu-Cabarrot was quite impressive on the offensive end, but seemed to have too many lapses in concentration on defense and Bradley took advantage of this. Is his starting position already under fire or is his shooting enough to keep him involved?

timothe has earned that starting spot with his defence and length. His shooting and scoring is just a bonus for our team. Bradley has the quickness advantage against all our 2 guards so that position will always be difficult for us to stop.

Q: You only got to the line 14 times... whereas the Wolves went there 26 times. Is your team not quite aggressive enough and could this be something you look to adjust heading to game 2?

I think our aggression was what sent them to the line so many times. Ideally we would have John drive to the hole and dish to shooters every time down the court, but we need to take what the defence gives us.

Q: What are your main areas of improvement heading into game 2?

I believe the game is won or lost on the boards. We need to get that advantage if we have any chance of advancing.

Thanks very much for your time gentleman and good luck with game 2!