NBA games of the week: Season starts now
By Chazz Scogna
Monday, Dec. 25: Minnesota at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET
The argument over Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau’s coaching style of riding his starters will rage on forever. Basically, you either believe he rides them into the ground or he rides them into wins and playoff berths. I lean toward the former, though I understand the nuances of minutes. Forty minutes for Jimmy Butler is not the same as 40 minutes for Kristaps Porzingis or Joel Embiid. And the Wolves are fourth in the West at 20-13 and haven’t made the playoffs since 2004. You pick the side you want; I won’t argue.
Next: 25-under-25 -- The best young players in the NBA
The Lakers continue to try hard and Kyle Kuzma continues to show how big of a steal he was on draft night. Brandon Ingram continues to utilize his length and, I’m not saying he is, but has had some Giannis-type finishes where he’s step-for-step with a defender, but he uses those Stretch Armstrong arms to reach just a bit further than any outstretched opponent. Lonzo Ball, the NBA player I’m most confident wouldn’t lose his face to Koh, after dismal shooting to start the season, had a great night against the Rockets on Friday. One game isn’t a trend or even a pattern, but it’s a flash of what could be if Ball continues gaining confidence in his shot.