What do you think? Wolves in 7? If the Minnesota Timberwolves had won game 3, it would have been a different discussion because the Mavericks haven’t lost twice at home in the NBA Playoffs. However, the Wolves stood their ground after losing three straight to keep their hopes for the NBA Finals alive against the Boston Celtics.
In Game 4, the Minnesota Timberwolves came out on top with a five-point win and notched their first win of the Western Conference Finals. Thus, with their next game in Target Center, could Minnesota use their home advantage to put the Wolves in 7? Let’s find out how.
Key Improvements In Game 4 That Could Put The Wolves In 7
The Wolves are now getting attuned to the Mavericks’ playing style. Also, they unleashed that competitive nature they displayed against the Nuggets and Suns to clinch their spot in the Western Conference Finals. The Wolves started Game 4 and led by seven points in the first quarter to set the foundation for success. They maintained that momentum with the Mavericks to close the game at 105-100.
During this conference finals, Anthony Edwards had a decent performance, however, it wasn’t enough to take his team to the next level as he needed a co-star. Karl-Anthony Towns, who was supposed to be Anthony Edwards’ co-star wasn’t supportive.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Performance Against Dallas Mavericks In Game 4
In Game 4, Karl-Anthony Towns stepped up his game to be the Timberwolves’ game closer. Before he left the game due to fouling out, the Dominican power forward dropped 80% of his three-point shots (4-of-5) in the bucket to help the Timberwolves close the game. Also, he displayed a promising performance in Game 4 by adding more athleticism to his play to give him more field goals in the paint. Finally, he finished with 25 points, one assist, and five rebounds to complement the offensive play of Edwards, who got 29 points, nine assists, and 10 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves Change In Strategy
The Minnesota Coach, Chris Finch, finally found a strategy that he could optimize to take down the Mavericks at home again to allow the Wolves in 7 to happen. In Game 4, he changed his defense strategy by putting Anthony Edwards on Luka Doncic and Jaden McDaniels on Kyrie Irving.
This strategy is somewhat similar to what they used against the Nuggets as Anthony Edwards guarded their big guy Nikola Jokic while Nickeil Alexander-Walker guarded Jamal Murray. However, Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd could see through this strategy in game 5 and counter it. Also, with Kyrie’s experience playing against bigger players he might stop the Wolves from making history. Finally, Finch’s defense strategy helped the Wolves grab 34 defensive rebounds (8 rebounds more than the Mavs) which they converted into vital points.
Can Minnesota Timberwolves Make NBA History?
Throughout NBA playoff history, no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit. However, with the Timberwolves having the home-court advantage, they could win Game 5 and halt the Mavs’ home court advantage in this playoff series to force a Game 7.
Though the Mavericks have more playoff experience, the change in the Wolves’ playing style – especially in the defense – took them off guard. Also, they’re missing their star rookie who went down in Game 3 due to a sprained neck. Now, the only thing the Mavs can do is maintain their home run record and advance to the NBA Championship Finals to face the Boston Celtics.
About the Author
Wisdom is an email and brand copywriter with two years of content writing experience. He started Cloud Kitchen Concept to help startups and business owners elevate their brands from good to great. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram to enjoy cooked meals for your business’s growth.
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