The Minnesota Timberwolves have been an inconsistent team during the 2024-25 season. It has not been the best of seasons, considering they were in the race for the #1 seed in the previous campaign.
A big reason behind Minnesota's descent has been the mentality. The Timberwolves have a competitive fire, but the players are not playing as consistently as they could.
The first half of March was the best stretch of the season for the Timberwolves. They won eight straight games at the right time because they needed to win almost every game to compete against the Warriors and Clippers in the Playoff race.
Unfortunately, they are in a rut after that streak due to three losses in the last four games. The performances have been flat, aside from the blowout win against the Pelicans. It is not the optimal way the Timberwolves should play, especially at a crucial juncture in the 24-25 season.
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Finch Wants The Timberwolves To Regain Their Edge
Through their three losses over the past four games, Minnesota's players and coaches know they are performing well under their level. The Timberwolves are the type of team with a limitless ceiling, but they also have a really low floor.
Minnesota Timberwolves outstanding team defense pic.twitter.com/nCaaNffUWk
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 13, 2025
That should not be the case because coach Finch wants them to be a stable team with some of the highest ceilings possible. They had a four-day interval from the second loss to the Pacers to the game against the Suns on Friday. The team is using that valuable time to prepare for the final stretch.
"Gotta get our edge back. I think it starts on the defensive end. On-ball competitiveness has been poor, whether it's been at the beginning, trying to contain the ball, or at the end, just get up an influential shot contest," Finch said after practice. "I think we've been looking for the easy way out, and it's just not there. We gotta get back to being the really, really good defensive team that we can be."
Finch Is Building The Team Back Up As A Defensive Unit
The Timberwolves have two practice days before the game against the Suns, and Finch wanted to focus on defense during the first one. This team ranks sixth in defensive rating after 73 games played, so they are already a strong team on that end, but they must regain that form.
Buckle up for the last 10 games pic.twitter.com/cGsy3JJek3
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 27, 2025
Coach Finch went back to the fundamentals, as he wanted them to work every facet of their defense. Getting a full day of practice could be the key to unlocking the team's confidence and helping them play with as much energy as possible.
They only have nine games remaining in the regular season, enough time to secure a spot in the Playoffs with the sixth seed. It will not be easy because their rivals are playing well, but this team led by Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert could reach another level to end the year..
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 5:31 AM.