A big test for McHale

Would love to blog more today, but am up to my eyes in work (in a Bassy trying to guard Big Baby Davis sort of way). I do have one thing I need to get off my chest.

I consider the next 48 hours to be the most important so far of this second McHale tenure. 

The first long losing streak seemed unavoidable to be honest. There was a long road trip. There was little in terms of practice time. He needed to cleanse the players of the stench of Wittman.

But now? These Wolves have had some success and January was the team's best month in several years. But as the Wolves prepare for tonight's game at Indiana, McHale's guys have a smooth little three-game losing streak. There's no shame in that considering they came to Detroit, the Lakers and Boston. 

Tonight's game is the first of a back-to-back as tomorrow night the Wolves will host Atlanta. I want to see how the Wolves respond. Are they tired of losing like they say they are? Or will they fall into the old trap of lose six, win one.

Looking ahead to the schedule before the All-Star Break isn't that pretty. After these two games, there is a weekend back-to-back at Houston and New Orleans. There's also a home game with Toronto before the break.

This five-game stretch is important because the Wolves can't afford to let this three-game losing streak become an eight-game skid. If that happens, much of that momentum from January vanishes.

I would like to see at least two and preferably three victories from the Wolves in this stretch. I don't really care where they find these wins, but I don't see them winning this weekend on the road.

Hence, the Wolves need to start playing better. Starting tonight.