Xavier Tillman (2) of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves. - Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves have the best record in the NBA. Let that sink in for a moment. Again, the Minnesota Timberwolves have the best record in the NBA. Not Denver, Boston, Milwaukee, and not Miami. These are definitely not your parent’s Timberwolves.
Bad Drafts
This is not the Timberwolves team that neglected to draft Stephen Curry and took Jonny Flynn instead. Nor is it the team that traded Ray Allen before he played a minute with the team. And it’s certainly not the team that drafted O.J. Mayo instead of Russell Westbrook in the 2008 draft.
No, this Timberwolves squad plays defense, executes great judgement on shot selection, and runs bone shaking pick and rolls. Wolves’ fans are thrilled to see the new look and they are coming back to Target Center in droves to see their team.
Timberwolves Defense
The heart of this team is their defense, and the heart of the defense is center Rudy Gobert. You remember him. He’s the guy that was getting lambasted last year for his stilted moves and stone hands. A good many folks at that time were saying that the trade that brought him to the Timberwolves was one of the worst NBA trades ever.
Well Rudy is back, and he’s better than ever. He has shut down the middle of the lane for opposing players and swatted any ball that has come near him. He is at the core of the Timberwolves successful pick and roll offense. And he is even hitting an occasional short-range jumper from time to time. In short as Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said, “he is playing the best basketball of his career.”
Ant is Playing Outstanding Defense
But the defensive story does not end with Rudy. Superstar Anthony Edwards (Ant) has picked up the challenge to make himself an elite defender. His on-ball defense has been tenacious, and his transition defense has been much improved.
The Timberwolves have been without their 3 and D standout Jaden McDaniels since he injured his ankle November 20 in a game against the New York Knicks. He is expected back soon, but in the meantime, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has filled in admirably. He has the ability to cover multiple positions and his quick hands produced five steals in the November 30 game against the Utah Jazz.
Never nervous Mike Conley continues to do whatever the Timberwolves ask of him. His mature presence calms this team down whether on offense or defense. Swiss Army Knife Kyle Anderson is a flexible defender who like Alexander-Walker can cover multiple positions. And Karl-Anthony Towns (Kat) has become more comfortable covering wings, even though he still tends to wander a bit on the defensive end of the court.
Timberwolves Have a Multifaceted Offense
Offensively, Edwards has stepped up his already superlative game. He has improved his shot selection, and he is distributing more assists per game to his teammates. Like all of the great ones, Ant is making everyone on this Timberwolves team a better player.
KAT continues to be a multi-faceted offensive scoring machine who can hurt you both inside and out. He can still drive the lane and draw a foul as good as anybody. But he has been deadly from beyond the stripe hitting 42.9% from downtown. And Mike Conley will hit the open jumper or dish the the perfect pass to a teammate. Whatever is needed.
Strong Big Men
Naz Reid is instant offense when he comes off the bench. He is hitting 35.9 from beyond the three-point line and his thunderous dunks cause vibrations throughout the arena. And Rudy is averaging 13.5 points a game from a combination of offensive rebound putbacks, passes off the pick and roll, and the occasional jumper.
And they are led of course by their globetrotting coach, Mr. Finch. His focused, calm approach has pointed the Timberwolves to steady improvement. His attention to detail and straightforward communication style has been warmly accepted by his players.
Timberwolves Look Ahead
So don’t underestimate this Minnesota Timberwolves team. They are ready for the task at hand, and they have the talent to make a long playoff run. The foils of their past are far behind them. And they embrace the dividends of their current and future success.
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