After three losses in four games, the Minnesota Timberwolves need to reset. Thankfully, they had a four-day break between losing to the Pacers and their upcoming game against Phoenix on Friday night at the Target Center.
During those four days, the Timberwolves had time to brush up on their practices. The first day was exclusively defense, which is a huge part of how they could improve for the final nine games of the regular season.
The Timberwolves want an automatic berth into the Playoffs, which can only be achieved if they make it to the sixth seed.
It has become a grueling task because their primary rivals, the Warriors and the Clippers have continued to look good with their performances. The Timberwolves are behind them, but they are working hard in practice to catch up.
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Alexander-Walker Discusses The Value Of A Break
During the losses to the Pacers, the Timberwolves looked checked out physically. They were not battling for the ball like they used to, and Indiana steam-rolled them to get the win.
That is not what Timberwolves fans are familiar with because they know this team to be gritty and superb defensively. Coach Chris Finch and the players are glad they had a four-day break between games because it gave them time for preparation and rest.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker relentless on-ball + off-ball defense pic.twitter.com/T13yIb10Qw
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 16, 2025
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a big-time contributor for the team, and he is glad the team is getting some time to rest and reset.
"It allows us to settle in. The craziness going on, the race to not make the Play-In, trying to secure the sixth seed," Alexander-Walker said after practice on Thursday. "I would say honestly it was good to just have time to sleep in our own beds, spend time with family, come in and get a good days work, with the right approach and mindset."
The Timberwolves Are Prepared To Give It Their All
Minnesota might be the eighth seed, but they are an awesome team. They have a talented roster spearheaded by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
Behind them, they have a spectacular supporting cast that includes Alexander-Walker, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and more. They have to get over some of the mental hurdles because no one would want to play against a motivated Timberwolves team.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker frustration pic.twitter.com/sYLvbLrCIO
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 20, 2025
With the practices and a lengthy break, the Timberwolves should feel refreshed by Friday night when they play against the Phoenix Suns.
There are only nine games left in the regular season, so the Timberwolves have limited time to prove themselves again. They already had an eight-game winning streak earlier in March, there is still a lot left in the tank to fight for the sixth seed.
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 8:30 AM.