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Opponents Keeping Closer Tabs on Griffin

Posted on: Saturday, 17 December 2005, 15:00 CST

By Rick Alonzo, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn., Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

Dec. 17--The secret is out regarding Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin.

After struggling the past two games, Griffin said he has noticed a difference in opposing teams: They're paying much more attention to him.

"Me personally, I think the teams have been slowing me down," Griffin said Friday. "They've got that put into their scouting report, to make sure I don't get to the offensive boards. I notice as soon as the shot goes up, they come right to me. I used to be able to sneak in there because I would be out on the perimeter."

On Tuesday, Griffin didn't score and grabbed just two rebounds in a season-low 6 minutes, 53 seconds of playing time. He was on the court in the waning moments when Bonzi Wells made the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.

On Thursday, Griffin played 12 minutes and went scoreless again with two rebounds.

Before the past two games, Griffin averaged 5.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in 19.8 minutes.

"I just have to adjust," he said. "I think that's why I've been starting off kind of slow these last couple games, because they've been aware of where I'm at on the floor for rebounds and stuff like that."

Coach Dwane Casey offered a different reason. He said he needs more intensity from Griffin and the rest of the reserves.

The second unit was on the floor for much of the second quarter Thursday, when the San Antonio Spurs outscored Minnesota 25-8.

"He told us today that when we go out there, we have to provide that immediate spark," Griffin said. "He can't wait for us. Starting that next game, as soon as I get in there, I'm going to be ready and give a lot of energy. That's what coach wants, so that's what I'm going to do."

Reserve point guard Troy Hudson said he thinks the Wolves didn't drive to the basket enough in the second quarter. He said they gave the Spurs too much respect. Without all-star Kevin Garnett on the court, Minnesota was outscored 13-2.

"It was just a lack of aggressiveness," Hudson said. "They started pressuring us on defense, and we didn't attack them. You can't do that in this league. You don't want any team to think, OK, the second unit is in, they're not going to be aggressive."

Frahm update: Casey said he didn't know whether guard Richie Frahm would be healthy enough to play in Sunday's game at Dallas. Frahm has a sore left ankle and was on the inactive list against the Spurs.

-- Hudson said he felt soreness in his strained left calf, but he was able to practice. The soreness is no cause for concern, he said. Hudson played Thursday for the first time since missing four games. He scored 11 points.

"It's cool," Hudson said. "I just have to keep icing it. It's not limiting me, so I'm able to go 100 percent."

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Copyright (c) 2005, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

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Source: Saint Paul Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.)

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