Next to the OKC Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of many greatest surprises of the NBA marketing campaign. They’ve been accountable for or hovering close to first place within the Western Conference for a lot of the season. But we might have seen slightly little bit of foreshadowing delivered to us by Clippers star Paul George not too long ago when he crossed up Anthony Edwards, finally sending the younger man to the canvas in a rush. Let’s simply hold it actual, that’s very more likely to be your complete squad come playoff time once 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 Association that yr 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 yr’s Timberwolves give off these vibes.
Despite 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 essentially the most upside. Karl-Anthony Towns is basically good, however he’s too involved with taking pictures threes and different ill-advised pictures off-balance for no good purpose.
Then there’s Rudy Gobert. One of the best rim protectors of his period as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, however as soon as we cross that threshold from common to postseason, all the things adjustments. Teams get Gobert out on the perimeter, run that pick-n-roll, and put his ass on ice skates. He’s utterly ineffective at that level 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.
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.
But 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 present options the Nuggets and Suns. If it’s the Nuggets who advance, Minnesota may get swept again up north in a snow flurry. If Phoenix was to someway make it previous Denver (uncertain), Minnesota would nonetheless be in for a troublesome sequence and eventual exit.
During the 2021 common season, Utah was one of many higher three-point taking pictures groups within the NBA. In reality, 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 couple of years in the past, however they are ranked second within the league, making 39.3 p.c. That Jazz group was first in level differential (+9.3) whereas these Wolves are third (+6.7).
The reality is, this Minnesota group 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. Many 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.
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