The Minnesota Timberwolves were on top of the world with their eight-game winning streak heading into this game against Indiana.
In a disappointing result, the Timberwolves lost in overtime, 132 to 130. This was a crushing result because the Pacers did not have all three of their best players.
After a win against the Orlando Magic, where they had some shaky moments, most people thought the Timberwolves would resolve those issues. That was not the case in this game, as they came out flat.
This was a disappointing result because a Pacers team without Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Pascal Siakam should have been an easier game for the Timberwolves.
Related: Ant Edwards Recalls How Finch Lit A Fire Under Timberwolves
The Timberwolves' Mindset Was Not Right
From the start of the game, the Timberwolves were in a bit of a rut. They looked out of it, which is not a good sign against any team. Even if the Pacers did not have their best players, they still had a hungry group of players who were ready to win the game.
The Timberwolves did not match that energy, which they ended up regretting. Minnesota is a team that always relies on energy, and the team playing a lethargic game was evident.
Julius Randle noticed this and was vocal after the game about how the Timberwolves started the game on the wrong foot.
"Our mindset from the jump wasn't right. Just gotta be a little more professional, no matter who is out there on the court," Randle said after the game. "They're all good players, and we've got to take the game seriously. In the 1st half, we weren't professional enough, and we gave them too much life."
Wow.
The Pacers, who started the game without 4 starters. Who then lost the 5th in the 3rd quarter. Their 6th man in the 4th quarter...
Just knocked off the Timberwolves on the road on an 8-game winning streak.
As improbable of a result as I can remember.
— Pat Boylan Fever/Pacers (@PatBoylanPacers) March 18, 2025
Anthony Edwards Needs More Help
Even though he is Minnesota's superstar, Anthony Edwards should not be carrying as heavy of a load as he was in this game. Yes, the Timberwolves had five players scoring in double-digits, but Ant seemed like the only one who was locked in.
The players know this, which is why veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. spoke about helping Ant in his post-game presser.
"We put so much on Ant. Ant can get tired late. Sometimes it might just be go get the ball and get it to Julius or run action with Naz or Jaden or somebody else to get him to relax in the corner and play decoy for a couple possessions. We haven't been able to do that," Conley said after the game.
That is up to the players to break away from defenders and help Ant rest on some plays. At the same time, coach Chris Finch must also craft some plays that help the rest of the team score and help Edwards get some rest.
The Timberwolves Must Maintain Their Composure
Rudy Gobert's ejection was a significant event in this game. Everyone knows that the Frenchman is a massive part of the system, as he is arguably this generation's best paint defender.
Losing him was huge because it messed up the rotation and weakened the Timberwolves' defense. If Minnesota wants to win games and reach new heights, they must be more composed.
Here's the final play of the 3rd quarter that was not called a goaltend, and Mike Conley's thoughts on the play when asked about it postgame. pic.twitter.com/x6B1ucAHWL
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 18, 2025
Conley is already a good example on the team because he has never received a technical foul in his 18 NBA seasons. Gobert committed an uncalled-for foul, and that should be something the team avoids in future games.
The Timberwolves already have the talent to compete against any top team. They need to be more disciplined and mentally prepared for games to succeed.
Related: Banchero Spills the Secrets Behind the Timberwolves' Rise
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This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 12:20 AM.