this post was submitted on 23 Nov 2023
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KAT playing defense like this is a game changer. Straight-up, strong defense in the paint, shuffling his feet and keeping his hands active on the perimeter. Over the last few seasons, he’d improved from a bad defender to a mediocre defender, and this year he’s just actively a good defender.
It's such a massive difference when an offense guy buys into defense, because it keeps him engaged even when shots aren't falling.
Cold-shooting KAT used to be a huge liability, and reversing that is just as big a reason for their record as Ant's leap.
His timing on the jump has been really incredible, timing it perfectly. This clip is the best defense I’ve ever seen KAT play
blatant foul lol
gif
gif* of the contest, yeah lmao
like great switch defense. love seeing what they’re doing but that isn’t just verticality lmao
An actual instance where playing harder and wanting it more was actually the key. With the change in his environment and personal growth, KAT is finally beaming into his full potential.
I think the main thing is stability and a clear role. Before Finch came, he had 5 coaches and 4 GMs iirc, so his role and training kept changing. Heck he had to change roles again last season. Now he's finally getting time to adjust to his new role and has the same coach and same teammates. Stability is underrated. Effort was never an issue with Towns.
Effort has never been a problem with KAT.
Sometimes it has where he gets mad about not getting a call/getting called on an offensive foul where he puts in 200% effort on the next play just to foul again. Happened like twice in the game 4 against Memphis
I would never have thought it.
He's definitely been good this year, but I find it pretty funny that there's been multiple situations where he's made a bad read/off ball rotation and Gobert's had to shove him into where he's meant to be haha. Noticed it once or twice for Ant too.
Think it's so good for KAT and Ant to have smart vets like Gobert and Conley around to learn off
There was a play in the Warriors game when KAT was backing up and Gobert pushed him back to the perimeter bc Gobert knew Saric would get a 3. He was right, Saric immediately got the ball in that exact spot and shot a 3.
It's a blessing having a guy as high IQ as Rudy on defense. Gobert said last year that he thought KAT is a great defender but just isn't in the right places sometimes. I see Gobert talking to KAT on the sidelines point out spots on the floor often this season. That guidance is invaluable
I laughed out loud, it was my favorite part of the game.
Got a clip?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBXzXguCsGM 8:50
That’s what happens when you get to train and practice with one of the best defenders in NBA history
As a Jazz fan and habitual Rudy defender I’m so glad he is STILL the man.
I’m so happy Wolves fans also get Rudy now. Jazz fans defended that man for years alone.
It's something else watching him play every game. I really don't think people can understand how great he is without that.
crazy how much shit rudy got for so long lol
Wolves are finally "spooky"
Playing for Utah was definitely a part of it
He looked really smooth on offense last night. Probably a result of him feeling a little more comfortable along with everyone else getting him involved on offense more regularly. The team looks great when they're moving the ball through everyone. Makes the other team work way harder when you don't know who's getting the shot.
Huge prop to KAT fit setting the tone of involving Rudy on and off the court. I'm cry 😭😭😭
definitely so, makes minnesota look like a tier above where they’ve been.
it’s gotta be a good feeling for him going from the twice a game donovan mitchell would pass him the ball
I didn't think we'd ever see it. maybe Ant taking over as the clear #1 on offense has given KAT more space to focus on other things. or maybe it just took time to mesh w/ Gobert. either way it's surprising but amazing and so fun to watch
Yeah, he’s been going hard. It struck me the other day. I’m not used to seeing him sprinting on D. Dudes all over the court now days though.