The start of the game will tell us a lot. The start of the third quarter will, too. Oklahoma City outscored the Wolves by 14 points in the third quarter of each of the first two games, turning relatively close games into large final margins. The Thunder outscored Minnesota by 29 points combined in the third quarter of both regular-season wins as well, while both of the Wolves’ regular-season wins were close to even in the third.
Minnesota can’t let mistakes compound in the third quarter. If the Wolves can get to the fourth quarter with a lead or at least within reasonable striking distance, they might be able to use their home crowd and playoff experience to secure a victory.
What adjustments will the Wolves make in style or personnel?
Rudy Gobert has struggled in both games of this series. Oklahoma City’s ball movement and ability to hit midrange shots has negated his defensive prowess, and Gobert has looked lost on offense. Naz Reid hasn’t made a three-pointer in this series (0-for-12). Donte DiVincenzo is a minus-47 in two games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has topped 30 points in both games and looks very comfortable.
Might head coach Chris Finch consider limiting Gobert’s minutes? Deploying a small-ball lineup that includes ninth and 10th options Jaylen Clark and/or Terrence Shannon Jr.? Sending a swarming defense at SGA to get the ball out of his hands, as the Wolves did with some effectiveness in the fourth quarter of Game 2? All of those options should be on the table, at least in stretches, because what the Wolves have been doing isn’t working.
Are the Wolves destined to make more threes or is OKC’s perimeter defense just that good?