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Subsequent to the OKC Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the biggest 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 could have seen slightly little bit of foreshadowing dropped at us by Clippers star Paul George not too long ago when he crossed up Anthony Edwards, in the end sending the younger man to the canvas in a rush. Let’s simply maintain it actual, that’s very prone to be your complete squad come playoff time after they’re bounced unceremoniously early from postseason rivalry.
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 file 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 actually 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 many biggest rim protectors of his period as a three-time Defensive Participant of the Yr, however as soon as we cross that threshold from common to postseason, every thing modifications. 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.
Based mostly 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, nevertheless 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 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 tricky sequence and eventual exit.
In the course of 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 share. Minnesota isn’t taking pictures as many threes because the Jazz just a few years in the past, however they’re 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 very fact is, this Minnesota group doesn’t have that participant (but) that groups worry in a seven-game format. Neither did the Jazz in the course of the ’21 playoffs. There’s no Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James or anybody close to that stature in Minnesota. Edwards is good, but he still has a ways to go. Lots of you’ll view this as hating, nevertheless it’s merely the reality. Rudy and KAT aren’t pumping worry into the hearts of opponents the night time earlier than a giant postseason showdown.
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