Earlier in the 2024-25 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves constantly lost games they could have easily won. Now that everyone feels more comfortable, Minnesota looks tough to beat.
The Timberwolves are on a seven-game winning streak, which bodes well for their hunt for a spot in the Playoffs. The team loves what they are doing, especially with the high energy they want to keep enjoying.
There is a stark difference from the early-season version of the Minnesota Timberwolves to today's team. They have the same roster, but they are more comfortable with each other nowadays.
A big part of their resurgence into being a Playoff team has been their focus on energy. Earlier in the season, the Timberwolves looked a bit lethargic. That is not the case today because they have some of the most energetic groups in the league.
Donte DiVincenzo hustle + save, Nickeil Alexander-Walker transition layup pic.twitter.com/rAQgGPVM6J
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 5, 2025
Related: Timberwolves guard DiVincenzo: 'It's been very smooth' transition to Minnesota
DiVincenzo Sets the Tone for the Timberwolves
Minnesota already has the talent to keep up with any team in the league. Anthony Edwards spearheads this team as the superstar, with players like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert to help him.
However, the team also needs role players who can pick up the slack. Donte DiVincenzo immediately comes to mind because he is one of the team's most reliable players who always plays with 100% effort.
That kind of energy is infectious because it spreads throughout the team. When the Timberwolves play with that kind of effort, it can disconcert the opponents and rally the fans to support Minnesota.
Coach Chris Finch is glad the team is playing with this kind of energy because he has wanted to see it for a long time.
"At the beginning of the season, the guys were all worried about themselves, their game, how everything we did was going to impact them. That's normal for the beginning of the season," Finch said after an energetic win against Orlando. "I think guys were just figuring out how they can get themselves going... Now, they're leaning to doing what the team needed, they've done that."
WWWWWWWolves pic.twitter.com/DEsR9cnFNl
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 15, 2025
The Timberwolves are a Scary Matchup for Any Team
When the Timberwolves are rolling, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Gobert leads the charge for their superb defense, but they are also awesome on offense.
McDaniels, Edwards, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all tough matchups for their opponents. They are lengthy around the perimeter, and they can also outwork them with their scoring.
Minnesota is top 10 in both defensive rating (110.7) and offensive rating (114.6). The momentum they have built in recent weeks proves teams will not like playing them in a seven-game series.
The Timberwolves already had a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2024, so making it to the Playoffs could mean a repeat of that run.
They are still chasing an automatic berth for the Playoffs with the West's sixth seed. Keeping the energy high is a priority for the Wolves as they finish the season strong with this form.
Related: The Timberwolves are Peaking at the Right Time Under Chris Finch
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM.