The Minnesota Timberwolves wanted to get payback from a loss to the Indiana Pacers a week earlier. Unfortunately, that did not pan out well for the Timberwolves because they lost again, this time in a 119-103 blowout.
This is another disappointing result for the Timberwolves in their quest for a spot in the Playoffs. Minnesota wanted to win this for that objective and payback, but they could not secure a good result.
Minnesota has had multiple tough losses this season, and this ranks high up there. The Timberwolves were flying high with an eight-game winning streak just over a week ago, but now, they are down in the dumps with three losses in four games.
It is a rough time for the Timberwolves because they want to compete at the highest level. However, the team must hold themselves accountable and play with as much desire and drive as possible. In this loss, the Pacers were running circles around them.
Related: Why The Timberwolves Must Keep Up With Opponents' Pace
The Pacers Exposed The Timberwolves' Weaknesses
The two games between Minnesota and Indiana over the past week have shown some eye-opening revelations. The first is that the Timberwolves struggle against teams that speed up the game and control the pace.
Indiana did this across both games as point guards Tyrese Haliburton and TJ McConnell knew when to speed up and settle down. The Pacers were the team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. However, it looked like they had more energy than the Timberwolves, a team with two days off.
Another weakness that reared its ugly head in the two losses to Indiana was how the Timberwolves struggled against physical defenders. Minnesota is a formidable defensive team, but when opponents play a physical brand of basketball, they fold.
These problems should not happen because the Timberwolves are talented enough to keep up with any team. It is up to head coach Chris Finch to motivate his team because they are not the best versions of themselves when they play with timid energy.
Anthony Edwards Is Struggling With His Thumb Injury
Heading into Monday, Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards was questionable because of a thumb injury on his right hand. He was not 100% during this game, which was obvious due to his woeful 1–11 splits from long-range against Indiana.
The Pacers defended him well, but his injury played a huge role in his off night. He had 17 points, but he was quite inefficient on 36.8% from the field.
Minnesota has a four-day break coming up, which could be useful for his laceration to heal up. The team needs him to be 100% because his performances will raise the team's ceiling to great heights.
Other Players Must Step Up For The Timberwolves
Edwards is expected to perform as the team's superstar every night. However, he won't be an invincible star player every game, so other players must do their part to step up.
Julius Randle is the first name that comes to mind because he is the team's second-best offensive player. Unfortunately, that did not work out well in this game because he also struggled, scoring only nine points.
Naz Reid did his best with 20 points, and Rudy Gobert had a decent 16-point and 16-rebound double-double. The rest of the team must step up when Ant struggles, which should be names like Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo.
If the Timberwolves can unlock that potential from their players outside of Edwards, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the league. The loss to the Pacers will sting, but they have more shots for the Playoff seeds, starting with a battle against the Phoenix Suns on Friday at Target Center.
Related: Gauging The Timberwolves' Chances Of Making The Playoffs
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This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 9:41 PM.