On May 22, 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the Western Conference Finals. It seems like a majority of NBA fans thought the Timberwolves would win here, but that didn’t happen. The Mavs won in a thrilling down to the wire dub.
There were many chances for the Wolves to take the game. Unfortunately, they messed up in these key moments and blew it big time. However, game two gives them a chance to redeem themselves and tie the series 1-1. Here are the critical keys to success for the Timberwolves to take the next game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Should Pick One Forget One
LUKA & KYRIE SET THE TONE IN GAME 1 🔥
Luka: 33 PTS | 8 AST | 6 REB
Kyrie: 30 PTS | 5 REB | 4 ASTMAVS DUO LOCKED IN 🔒 pic.twitter.com/rIHWLsuL2e
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 23, 2024
The dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving has been causing serious problems for teams this season. With the shaky 2022-23 season behind them, it seems as though they’ve locked in and found a way to work with each other. Now, the two make an elite pair that has been pushing the Mavs to the finish line all year.
In game one Doncic gave his team 33 points and Irving followed with 30 points. Kyrie absolutely exploded in the first half, keeping his team within reach of the T-Wolves’ lead. Then, when Irving slowed in scoring a bit, Luka Magic was activated, and he controlled the second half. This was devastating for the Minnesota defense.
The Minnesota Timberwolves need to pick one of these players to put their whole defensive arsenal on. Shut one of them down and let the other do his thing. All of the switching doesn’t work when you’re trying to contain Luka’s amazing shooting abilities and Irving’s speedy lane dashes. It just isn’t a sustainable way to play this team. Though focusing on one would leave the other to score it will be less of a blow if your defense manages to lockdown the other All-Star.
Utilize the Bigs When Edwards is Struggling
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a 7’0″ Karl-Anthony Towns and 7’1″ Rudy Gobert to protect the rim and score in the paint. Tonight, Towns had 16 points and Gobert had 12. This is disappointing, to say the least. When Edwards can’t seem to hit his shots, there needs to be a solid plan in place for Towns and Gobert to take over smoothly. Chucking it to them with the clock winding down and the whole of the Mavericks defense biting at their ankles isn’t going to work.
With the shot clock at 12 and Edwards unable to make a good move a screen should be set and the big setting it should be rolling hard to the basket. The big screening and rolling should be Gobert. With his hard dash to the rim, the defense will most likely collapse on him. This should leave Towns in the corner ready to receive a pass. The big man can hit his threes and if someone comes out to cover him a quick toss back to Edwards and a scrambling defense could lead to a top of the key three.
In the scenario of Gobert actually getting the ball off the roll he should be able to at least draw a foul and get to the line. If he’s overwhelmed underneath he would have Towns in the corner ready to get the ball. Let’s also remember Jaden McDaniels, who has become an offensive threat recently, is lurking ready to score. The Minnesota Timberwolves need to recognize the way the defense is worried about KAT and Gobert in the paint and use this to their advantage instead of just chucking up crazy shots.
Recognize What Jaden McDaniels is Doing
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Jaden McDaniels was elite tonight. Yes, his team lost, but that shouldn’t take away from his amazing performance. He gave the Wolves 24 points, scoring more than anyone on the team. With his offense reaching new heights, he also kept bringing his strong defense to the game tonight. He was tough on the Mavs offense and clogged up the passing lane with his quick hands.
The All-Defensive Second Team player proved his worth tonight (and throughout this whole postseason). He’s come up big when Anthony Edwards wasn’t answering the call. Maybe, some of the possessions that went to Edwards should’ve been in McDaniels hands instead since you’re supposed to feed the hot hand.
If McDaniels can have another great performance in game two for the Minnesota Timberwolves it’s time to talk about how often he should be getting the ball. Yes, Edwards is the star of this team and he is the best player in that locker room no questions asked. However, sometimes stars fall and need a little help. If Jaden McDaniels can be the provider while Ant gets himself locked in the team should look to get him the ball and put him in the position to score over Edwards sometimes.
About the Author
Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all things sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Her favorite sport to watch is basketball, but she also enjoys professional wrestling, soccer, and baseball. You can find her on X @edellapiana1 to check out more content.
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