After the superb 56-26 campaign from the 2023-24 season, expectations were high for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even if they traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, they still had a talented roster that could propel the team to another season of that caliber.
That has not worked out well for the Timberwolves because players like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo had to adjust to their new team. The rest of the team also struggled, which led to a slow start. Now that they are in the Playoff hunt, the team faces a glaring problem.
After an eight-game winning streak to start March, the Timberwolves were on a high. Unfortunately, they might have steered too close to the sun because they lost three of their last four games.
Out of those losses, two of them came against the Indiana Pacers. They have become the antithesis of the Timberwolves because they are a more stable team than Minnesota. Despite having stars like Randle and Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves are in limbo.
Related: Diving Into The Timberwolves' Second Loss To The Pacers
The Timberwolves Are Lacking In Intensity and Physicality
Minnesota might be among the most talented teams in the NBA, but opponents are dominating them physically. The Timberwolves have some strong players, but they have folded under pressure in recent games.
That is not what head coach Chris Finch wants to see from his players. He wants them to be competitive in every play because opponents are steam-rolling them with energy and pace.
Play offense fast and defense physically -- pretty clear that's the plan for most teams against this Wolves team these days.
Play offense fast and the Wolves can't get their defense set. Play defense physically and it will frustrate Edwards and Randle's ability to play drive and…
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 25, 2025
The Pacers exposed the Timberwolves' problems because their point guards dictated the pace. Tyrese Haliburton and TJ McConnell controlled the game, which always surprised the Minnesota players.
This is not an issue they want to ignore because reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid addressed it after the game.
"I think the tenacity, aggression, teams are kinda hitting us first. We're kinda punching back, but not giving any resistance," Reid said about what the Timberwolves are missing. "It's those two things, finishing the plays obviously with a rebound."
Minnesota Has Fewer Opportunities To Secure A Playoff Berth
Now that the Timberwolves have nine games left in the regular season, their chances of getting an automatic Playoff berth are bleak. However, the players do not want to give up because they know they are talented enough to reach that objective.
Unfortunately, they do not control their destinies for the postseason because their primary rivals have the advantage. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are above Minnesota in the standings, so it will be an uphill battle for the final nine games.
"THE TIMBERWOLVES HAVE THE EASIEST REMAINING SCHEDULE AND CONTROL THEIR OWN DESTINY TO HAVE HOMECOURT IN THE PLAYOFFS"
TIMBERWOLVES:
pic.twitter.com/5G45APJwc9
— Mr. Garlic (@AlainGarlic) March 20, 2025
"I just think we just at one of those points. We only got nine games we got to make the best of it," Reid continued. "We kind of got to be perfect low-key, but same time, we got to play our brand of basketball, and just be us, but with urgency."
The Timberwolves must become more inspired because they can make some noise in the Playoffs. Finch's team might be struggling at the minute, but they are a different beast when the Playoffs come around.
The proof is the 2024 Playoffs when they beat defending champions Denver Nuggets and reached the Western Conference Finals. They must strive for perfection in the next nine games, which will be extremely tough yet still possible.
Related: Banchero Spills the Secrets Behind the Timberwolves' Rise
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 3:08 AM.