Game Preview #42 – Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers

The Wolves pulled out a much needed win at MSG, but now face their biggest challenge of the season. Can Minnesota find a way to gut out a win against the top team in the league on the second night of a back-to-back?

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: January 18th, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM CST
Location: Target Center
Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Wolves Shine at MSG, but Cavs Loom Large in Back-to-Back Test

Well, Wolves fans, this is what we’ve been waiting for. A full 48 minutes of basketball. No horrific scoring droughts, no self-sabotage, no moments that make you want to smash your remote. Just crisp offense, solid defense, and a cohesive team effort that led to a much-needed victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden yesterday evening.

Let’s face it—MSG is one of those stages where legacies get made. Anthony Edwards got the memo. Under the bright lights of basketball’s most famous arena, Ant-Man turned in a lights-out performance, leaving no doubt that he’s the present and future of this franchise. But he wasn’t alone. Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and even rookie spark plug Rob Dillingham all chipped in to deliver one of Minnesota’s most complete performances of the season.

This was a game the Wolves had to have, and they got it done. Now, the stakes get even higher as they return home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, owners of the league’s best record, in the second leg of a brutal back-to-back.

Taking Care of Business in New York

First, let’s give credit where credit’s due. This game could’ve gone sideways fast, especially with Donte DiVincenzo sidelined, but Mike Conley set the tone early, knocking down clutch shots and controlling the tempo. The Wolves avoided their dreaded slow start, and that alone felt like a win.

The ball movement was spectacular. It wasn’t just constant iso for 40 minutes—it was unselfish basketball. Julius Randle may not have lit up the box score in his return to MSG, but his passing and facilitation were crucial. He played the role of the steady veteran, setting up teammates and keeping the offense flowing.

And how about Naz Reid? The guy was playing like the hoop was the size of a swimming pool. He couldn’t miss. Rudy Gobert did his part, too, cleaning the glass and ensuring the Knicks didn’t get easy second-chance points. It was a team effort from top to bottom, and when the Wolves play like this, they can hang with anyone.

The Challenge Ahead: Cleveland Cavaliers

Let’s not sugarcoat it—beating Cleveland on the second night of a back-to-back is a monumental task. The Cavs are a juggernaut. They have the best record in the league for a reason, and their combination of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland in the backcourt is a nightmare for opposing defenses.

But here’s the thing: if the Wolves play like they did tonight, they at least have a chance. It’s going to take another complete team effort, and probably a little bit of magic from Ant, but it’s not impossible.

Key #1: Offensive Flow

The Wolves’ offense tonight was a thing of beauty. The ball moved, players found open looks, and most importantly, those looks went in. Ant and Randle played unselfishly, setting up their teammates while still commanding attention. That balance needs to carry over into tomorrow’s game.

The Cavs’ defense is no joke, especially with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen patrolling the paint. The Wolves will need to stretch the floor and knock down threes to keep Cleveland honest.

Key #2: Contain the Cavs’ Guards

Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards, and Alexander-Walker did an excellent job shutting down Jalen Brunson tonight, but Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are a whole different animal. It’s going to take a group effort to contain Cleveland’s potent backcourt. Expect Finch to mix and match defensive looks to keep them uncomfortable.

Key #3: Dominate the Paint

Minnesota, as usual, has a size advantage here. With Gobert, Randle, and Reid, the Wolves can outsize almost any team in the league. Jarrett Allen will be a handful, but the Wolves need to clean up the boards and limit Cleveland’s second-chance opportunities. They did it against New York; now they need to do it against a much tougher opponent.

Key #4: Ant Needs to Stay Aggressive

Ant’s performance at MSG was electric. He attacked the rim, drew fouls, and imposed his will. That same aggression will be critical against Cleveland. The Wolves can’t afford for him to settle for jumpers all night. They need the version of Ant who puts his head down and drives to the hoop, putting pressure on the defense and opening up opportunities for his teammates.

What’s at Stake

Let’s be realistic. No one’s going to fault the Wolves if they drop this game. Back-to-backs are brutal, and the Cavs are a nightmare matchup. But if they can somehow pull this off, it would be a statement win—the kind of victory that can shift the trajectory of a season.

The Wolves are still clawing their way up the Western Conference standings. They’re sitting in the eighth seed right now, but they’re just a few games out of a top-four spot. With the schedule about to get even tougher, every win counts.

Final Thoughts

Last night’s win over the Knicks was a reminder of what this team is capable of when everything clicks. The Wolves have the talent. They have the pieces. What they need is consistency.

The Cavs are the ultimate test. They’re the best team in the league for a reason. But if the Wolves can replicate tonight’s performance—if they can play smart, unselfish basketball and bring the same level of energy—they have a shot.

So, Wolves fans, buckle up. Tomorrow night’s game could be ugly, or it could be one of those magical moments that remind us why we love this team. Either way, it’s going to be a ride. Let’s hope they bring their A-game.