On this today’s episode, Ryan Eichten and Leo Sun break down the Minnesota Timberwolves’ defense shutting down the Golden State Warriors for their fourth straight win as well as the second game against the Warriors where the Wolves had another poor performance late in the game.
— The Wolves’ transition defense was awful in the third quarter against the Warriors with Anthony Edwards often not getting back or turning the ball over leading to points on the other end. Do the Timberwolves need more from their superstar?
— The closing lineup did not include Mike Conley, who has been the Wolves best player down the stretch of close games this season. Did the Wolves make a mistake in deciding to close with Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Julius Randle instead of Conley?
— During the four-game win streak, the Wolves defense held four straight opponents to 92 points or less including two league-low 80-point defensive scoring outings. Is the Wolves defense back to being a dominant defensive team?
— Transition defense was a problem in the second game against the Warriors. Minnesota has done a better job getting back on defense as of late, but with how good the half-court defense has been, teams will likely continue to push the ball after missed shots and turnovers.
— The Wolves offense currently ranks 17th in offensive rating, the same rank they had a year ago. What can the Wolves do to increase this ranking and where will they finish at the end of the year?
— Rudy Gobert is back to playing like the Defensive Player of the Year after an up-and-down start to the season.
— Despite a poor second half, and a 0-6 shooting stretch in the final four minutes against the Warriors, Edward’s offensive game and 3-point shooting continue to provide immense value for the Timberwolves.
— Draymond Green gave the Wolves the “night night” celebrating despite scoring six points and getting blown out the game before, igniting an all-too-familiar discourse on social media.
(If you can’t access the Spotify player above, clickhereto listen to the latest episode).