In the 2021-22 NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves had a great start. They won three out of their first four games. This led to many fans getting their hopes up from the team and this might be their year to make a deep playoff run. But since that phenomenal start, the Timberwolves have failed to build on it.
After losing their most recent matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, the team is now on a three-game losing streak. As a result, their current record stands at 3-4. Not being able to perform at an elite level on a consistent basis has been a tremendous problem for the franchise for countless seasons.
Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns has experienced that throughout his career. Following a poor run of form, Towns was rightfully upset with the team. As per Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine, KAT said:
“We’re on a three-game slide right now in the NBA. If I know one thing about slides here in Minnesota, it could go from three to 18 to 19, 20 really quick.”
Karl-Anthony Towns: “We’re on a three-game slide right now in the NBA. If I know one thing about slides here in Minnesota, it could go from three to 18 to 19, 20 really quick,”
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) November 4, 2021
The offense has never been a problem for the Timberwolves, it’s the defensive end of the floor they need to put their focus on. When facing a team with the L.A. Clippers’ caliber, they need to be even more cautious about being loose on the defense.
“Even though they got hot, we have to make them not be hot. It’s up to us as a team and it’s up to us as a unit to get it done, especially the starting unit.”
KAT: "Even though they got hot, we have to make them not be hot. It’s up to us as a team and it’s up to us as a unit to get it done, especially the starting unit.”
— Jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) November 4, 2021
Allowing more points than necessary essentially lifts the pressure off of opposing teams. Which we saw in their defeat at the hands of the Clippers.
Although there is no need to press the panic button right now, Minnesota could use a win in their favor to change the morale around the team. They have a great young core of D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The trio has the potential to at least take the team to the postseason.
But as KAT said, the Timberwolves have fumbled on the path many times in the past. Let’s hope they are not heading towards another disappointing season.
