Subsequent to the OKC Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves had been one of the crucial greatest surprises of the NBA marketing campaign. They’ve been in keep an eye on of or soaring close to first position within the Western Convention for far of the season. However we can have noticed slightly little bit of foreshadowing dropped at us via Clippers megastar Paul George lately when he crossed up Anthony Edwards, in the end sending the younger guy to the canvas in a rush. Let’s simply stay it actual, that’s very prone to be all the squad come playoff time after they’re bounced unceremoniously early from postseason competition.
It’s now not that the Timberwolves aren’t excellent, however they really feel very Utah Jazz-ish circa 2021. Utah ended with the most efficient file within the Affiliation that 12 months and located themselves ousted via the Clippers in the second one spherical with Kawhi Leonard lacking maximum of that collection. Anytime a No. 1 seed is going out earlier than the convention finals it’s a unhappiness. This 12 months’s Timberwolves give off the ones vibes.
In spite of crumbling to the ground within the clip above and knocking over his teammates like dominos, Edwards is the most efficient participant in Minnesota and has essentially the most upside. Karl-Anthony Cities is actually excellent, however he’s too desirous about capturing threes and different ill-advised pictures off-balance for no excellent reason why.
Then there’s Rudy Gobert. Some of the biggest rim protectors of his generation as a three-time Defensive Participant of the Yr, however after we move that threshold from common to postseason, the whole lot adjustments. Groups get Gobert out at the perimeter, run that pick-n-roll, and put his ass on ice skates. He’s utterly useless at that time and rendered a non-factor. Since he’s now not a large scoring risk, as soon as that occurs it’s onerous to stay him at the court docket too lengthy.
In accordance with 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, but it surely isn’t unattainable to mention both a type of groups may “sneak up” and put the boots to Minnesota within the first spherical. The similar is going for the Kings and Mavs. It’s now not a foregone conclusion that the Wolves thrash any of those groups.
However let’s say Minnesota will get previous the hole spherical as all No. 1 seeds must. The 4-5 matchup within the West these days 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 once to by some means make it previous Denver (in doubt), Minnesota would nonetheless be in for a tricky collection and eventual go out.
All over the 2021 common season, Utah was once one of the crucial higher three-point capturing groups within the NBA. In reality, they led the league in makes an attempt (43) and makes (16.7) in keeping with recreation whilst completing fourth in share. Minnesota isn’t capturing as many threes because the Jazz a couple of years in the past, however they’re ranked 2d within the league, making 39.3 p.c. That Jazz crew was once first in level differential (+9.3) whilst those Wolves are 3rd (+6.7).
The reality is, this Minnesota crew doesn’t have that participant (but) that groups worry in a seven-game structure. Neither did the Jazz all the way through the ’21 playoffs. There’s no Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James or somebody close to that stature in Minnesota. Edwards is excellent, however he nonetheless has far to move. A lot of you’ll view this as hating, but it surely’s merely the reality. Rudy and KAT aren’t pumping worry into the hearts of warring parties the evening earlier than a large postseason showdown.
