The Minnesota Timberwolves got here up simply quick in a 103-101 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday evening. Whereas there have been moments of brilliance, the sport highlighted what might maintain them again from true championship rivalry. The T-Wolves have proven they’re stuffed with greatness this season, however this loss was a reminder that they’re nonetheless a step away from the highest. So, what do they should get there? Let’s dive in.
Chris Finch desires extra consistency and offensive steadiness
Even with out Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks, the Timberwolves struggled to search out their groove early on. The primary quarter was powerful, with the workforce falling behind 24-36 regardless of Anthony Edwards beginning sizzling. He dropped 13 of the Wolves’ first 15 factors, however for some gamers, it was arduous for them early on to search out their rhythm offensively.
This lack of cohesion has been a recurring situation for Minnesota, particularly when shorthanded, as gamers have to step up.
“Some guys appeared to be a little bit drained on the market, however a few of them discovered it, and a few of them by no means did. Turnovers have been extra of an indicator of sloppy play greater than low vitality,” mentioned head coach Chris Finch on the sluggish begin.
Gobert spoke in regards to the workforce’s chemistry and frustration when it got here to the officiating.
“I’m at all times the one telling the blokes to stick with it, keep centered … We have to have that mindset as a result of on the finish of the day, it’s exterior of our management.” However when issues go south offensively, that frustration from all of it can flip into rushed performs and pointless fouls,” Gobert informed reporters (h/t Dane Moore)
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Terrence Shannon Jr. stepped up and introduced some much-needed vitality to the ground towards the Bucks. Shannon received bodily within the paint and introduced that aggressive rebounding model to assist the Timberwolves lower into the deficit. However it shouldn’t take a lineup change to spark the workforce. They want a dependable plan to take care of that vitality all through the sport, irrespective of who’s on the ground.
Coach Finch praised Shannon, who had a profession sport.
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“He was nice, he was getting downhill, he was making performs for the center of the paint, bodily defensive presence, thought he was fairly good on the boards too,” Finch mentioned, suggesting that that is the vitality the Wolves want constantly.
Edwards is the chief, no query, however he can’t do it alone. Within the clutch, he delivered when it mattered, flattening massive threes and driving to the rim. When key gamers are lacking, although, others have to step up.
Timberwolves’ execution in high-pressure moments
The Timberwolves made a couple of pricey errors down the stretch, and it got here again to chunk them. Turnovers and defensive slip-ups let the Bucks preserve management, and each time Minnesota made a run, a careless cross or a missed task gave Milwaukee a straightforward bucket. This was sensible decision-making is vital for any contender.
“We didn’t shoot the ball properly once we had attractiveness, we didn’t end across the rim. It was sort of a poor offensive evening when it got here to competing performs, lots of turnovers within the first quarter and a half which sort of fed their lead a bit,” mentioned Finch.
The ultimate minutes felt like a playoff battle, with each groups buying and selling blows. Edwards hit an enormous and-one layup to provide the Wolves a 92-91 lead, however the Bucks shortly regained the benefit. After the sport, Edwards stood by his late-game shot choice, choosing 3-pointers.
“I ain’t been working for no motive… it should go in, it simply didn’t go in tonight. It’ll be alright,” he mentioned, assured that subsequent time, these pictures will fall.