Are the Minnesota Timberwolves trying to make NBA history? Their point margin loss against the Mavericks in Game 3 makes the Wolves three games down (0-3) in their Western Conference Finals Series. Thus, are the Minnesota Timberwolves planning an all-time comeback?
In Game 3, it seemed the Timberwolves understood the Dallas Mavericks’ playing style and used it to point out their flaws. However, it was too late to adjust as the Mavericks were two steps ahead of the Wolves to clinch their 3rd win in the series. Thus, despite understanding the Dallas Mavericks’ playbook, why didn’t the Minnesota Timberwolves clinch the Game 3 win?
Minnesota Timberwolves Less Aggression And Attention To Details
The Timberwolves couldn’t match the Mavs in three-point percentage as they made 30% of their three-point shots (9/30) and this jeopardized their gameplay forward. However, the Wolves were less aggressive in Game 3 and this strategy worked in their favor.
While the Minnesota Timberwolves played with less aggression, they ensured they weren’t too far from taking the lead. On the scoreboard it looked like the Mavs were leading, however, the Wolves were about to do some OKC on them. Thus, in the first the Wolves finished with 52 points, 8 points behind the Mavs.
As the Wolves progressed into the second half, they gradually increased their offensive aggression against the Mavs and equalized at the end of the third quarter. However, they were missing a piece of the puzzle which they lacked.
Game Closer
After the Wolves equalized the game in the third quarter, the fourth quarter became the deciding moment for both teams, yet, the Wolves couldn’t close out the game.
This is the missing puzzle that Minnesota Timberwolves need to add to their arsenal – Game Closers. The Wolves understood the assignment but couldn’t pass it because this isn’t their playing style. The Mavs started aggressively and could close out the game with their best duo: Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Kai finished with 33 points and 4 assists while Magic finished 33 points and 7 rebounds.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Underperformance
The offensive pressure on Anthony Edwards is massive. Though he’s the Wolves’ vital piece of the puzzle, ANT needs a supportive piece to assist and maximize his offensive prowess. In game 3, Anthony Edwards had 26 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds.
Thus, the supportive piece to complete the puzzle is Karl-Anthony Towns, who underperformed during his last 5 games averaging 15.6 points and making 35 FG%, 12.5% of three-point field goals (4/32), and 7.2 points from the paint. With this stat, it’d be difficult for K-Towns to influence the team’s playoff performance moving forward.
Cliché Playbook
The Wolves haven’t adjusted well to the Mavericks game play and the transition is slow that’s why they’re three games down. However, it’s not over yet.
After coming to life in Game 2, Naz Reid proved that he could be the Wolves’ trump card (Game Closer). However, in Game 3, Minnesota’s head coach, Chris Finch, did not include Reid as their main starter and subbed him in the second half, where he made a difference.
Naz Reid’s presence in the second half helped the Wolves equalize the game till it was three minutes to the end of the game. Thus, if the Wolves head coach wants to make a difference, The center should be in the starting five because Naz Reid is a decent choice to close out game four and force a game five.
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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