Subsequent to the OKC Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of many largest surprises of the NBA marketing campaign. They’ve been in command of or hovering close to first place within the Western Convention for a lot of the season. However we might have seen a bit little bit of foreshadowing delivered to us by Clippers star Paul George just lately when he crossed up Anthony Edwards, in the end sending the younger man to the canvas in a rush. Let’s simply hold it actual, that’s very prone to be your complete squad come playoff time after they’re bounced unceremoniously early from postseason competition.
It’s not that the Timberwolves aren’t good, however they really feel very Utah Jazz-ish circa 2021. Utah ended with the most effective report within the Affiliation that 12 months and located themselves ousted by the Clippers within the second spherical with Kawhi Leonard lacking most of that sequence. Anytime a No. 1 seed goes out earlier than the convention finals it’s a disappointment. This 12 months’s Timberwolves give off these vibes.
Regardless of crumbling to the ground within the clip above and knocking over his teammates like dominos, Edwards is the most effective participant in Minnesota and has probably the most upside. Karl-Anthony Cities is absolutely good, however he’s too involved with taking pictures threes and different ill-advised pictures off-balance for no good cause.
Then there’s Rudy Gobert. One of many best rim protectors of his period as a three-time Defensive Participant of the 12 months, however as soon as we cross that threshold from common to postseason, every little thing adjustments. Groups get Gobert out on the perimeter, run that pick-n-roll, and put his ass on ice skates. He’s fully ineffective at that time and rendered a non-factor. Since he’s not a giant scoring menace, as soon as that occurs it’s exhausting to maintain him on the courtroom too lengthy.
Primarily based on present play-in standings, Minnesota would face both the Mavs, Kings, Lakers or Warriors within the first spherical. Golden State and LA have each struggled this season, however it isn’t inconceivable to say both a type of groups may “sneak up” and put the boots to Minnesota within the first spherical. The identical goes for the Kings and Mavs. It’s not a foregone conclusion that the Wolves thrash any of those groups.
However let’s say Minnesota will get previous the opening spherical as all No. 1 seeds ought to. The 4-5 matchup within the West at the moment options the Nuggets and Suns. If it’s the Nuggets who advance, Minnesota would possibly get swept again up north in a snow flurry. If Phoenix was to by some means make it previous Denver (uncertain), Minnesota would nonetheless be in for a tricky sequence and eventual exit.
Throughout the 2021 common season, Utah was one of many higher three-point taking pictures groups within the NBA. The truth is, they led the league in makes an attempt (43) and makes (16.7) per recreation whereas ending fourth in proportion. Minnesota isn’t taking pictures as many threes because the Jazz a number of years in the past, however they’re ranked second within the league, making 39.3 %. That Jazz staff was first in level differential (+9.3) whereas these Wolves are third (+6.7).
The very fact is, this Minnesota staff doesn’t have that participant (but) that groups concern in a seven-game format. Neither did the Jazz throughout the ’21 playoffs. There’s no Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James or anybody close to that stature in Minnesota. Edwards is sweet, however he nonetheless has a methods to go. A lot of you’ll view this as hating, however it’s merely the reality. Rudy and KAT aren’t pumping concern into the hearts of opponents the evening earlier than a giant postseason showdown.
