What is their to write about Minnesota at this point? To say my expectations were low before tip-off is an understatement. The Houston Rockets are the second best team in the West at the quarter-season mark. They’re on an extended win streak with triumphs over the Warriors, Cetics and Thunder to boast about. They have one of the most potent offenses in the NBA to go along with superstar James Harden, who’s season is so mind-boggingly good he’s neck and neck in the MVP race against a guy whose averaging a triple-double. But then the Timberwolves didn’t slink out onto the court following the tip. In fact, they looked good, really good, and went after Houston along the perimeter for all they were worth. The Rockets shot 5/13 in the first quarter and committed seven turnovers. The Wolves took it a step further in the second, restricting the Rockets to 1/9 from 3 point land and forcing another five turnovers. Minnesota would go on a 20-5 run to close out the quarter and led 57-44 at the half.
The Timberwolves are a first half basketball team. All the potential and excitement is on full display before he eventual glimmer of disappointment crushes the young players into existential oblivion. Thus far, the third quarter has been the tipping point over the course of the season, but tonight the Wolves held strong. The two teams traded baskets down the stretch, each scoring 23, and the Timberwolves entered the fourth quarter leading 80-67.
And then, like most nights, the inevitable happens. With 2:21 left in the fourth the Wolves led 93-81 and the game looked all but locked down, but Harden, who’d been inconsistent for much of the game, chipped at the shrinking lead like a surgeon. Houston would go on a 14-2 run at the end of the game to tie everything up and force overtime. The Wolves didn’t stand a chance. Every shot Minnesota was taking seemed to clank off the back rim, while Harden collected basket after basket in OT. Per Alan Horton, this is the eighth time Minnesota has blown a 17+ lead in the past two years, the most in the NBA. The Timberwolves would lose the game 111-109.
Quick Hits:
I hate to use the term because it’s become such a stupefyingly ubiquitous thing for NBA players to say, but a lot of the Timberwolves late game struggles seem to boil down to simple “execution” on both sides of the floor. This team knows how to play basketball, and the flashes of brilliance are there, but late in games they get cautious and timid, second-guessing every decision before they make it. It’s the worst problem to have because it’s anybodys guess how to effectively solve it besides winning.
There were some truly dumbfounding moments late in the game. Wiggins acted as the primary ball-handler during the waning moments of the fourth while Rubio shared the floor. Wiggins isn’t ready to create for others when the game is in its closing moments, and it led to clogged lanes, botched passes and ugly turnovers. Yikes.
Somehow Bjelica was gifted the task of guarding James Harden for portions of the fourth and overtime only to be crossed-over like he’s a welcome turnstile for a lay-in.
Towns and Lavine had two of the strongest showings on the Minnesota side of the ball, combining for 65 points. Unfortunately they also combined for 14 turnovers as well.
This was one of Wiggins worst scoring nights of the season. He was only able to chip in 13 on 5-17 shooting, happily settling for contested mid-range shots for much of the matchup. He was able to be effective in other facets of the game, chipping in five assists and three steals, but his shot dropping could have been the difference maker tonight.
A sluggish start from Harden from beyond the arc (he shot 3-11), ended up being a par for his incredible season. He finished the night with 28 points on 8-20 shooting with 13 assists.
Up Next:
The Wolves face off against a beatable Phoenix Suns squad this Monday, December 19 at Target Center.
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