After an up-and-down start to the season, it’s time for the Timberwolves to go on a run and prove they belong among the league’s elite. A commanding victory over the Charlotte Hornets is exactly what they need to get the momentum going.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Charlotte Hornets
Date: November 4th, 2024
Time: 7:00PM CST
Location: Target Center
Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio Coverage: KFAN FM/Wolves App/iHeart Radio
Alright, Wolves fans, buckle up because it’s officially gut-check time in Minnesota. Tomorrow night, the Timberwolves will host the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center, and let’s just say this game has all the makings of a must-win — even if it’s only the seventh game of the season.
Through six games, this Wolves team has been a roller coaster of highs and lows that would make even the most hardened fan reach for the Dramamine. One night, they’re pulling off a spectacular comeback against the Denver Nuggets, leaving the fans buzzing. The next, they’re limping through a lethargic performance against the Spurs, where you’re left wondering if the same team even showed up. It’s not the way anyone envisioned the season kicking off.
Now, to be fair, it’s tempting to chalk up that San Antonio loss as a “scheduling L.” Arriving in San Antonio at 4:30 a.m. after an emotional, physical showdown with Denver is a brutal turnaround. Physically, they had to be gassed. Emotionally? Completely drained. But there’s a part of me — the part that still believes this team has the potential to be one of the top in the West — that says, “Hey, a superior team still finds a way to beat the Spurs.” The defense was practically MIA, and the offense couldn’t get out of second gear. Julius Randle, I’m looking at you here. We’ve seen flashes of him being the guy who can create his own shot and light a fire under the offense, but against San Antonio, he was basically a human turnstile. The Wolves need more from Big Julius, plain and simple.
So here we are, back on home turf, facing the Charlotte Hornets — a team the Wolves should, by all accounts, handle with ease. But let’s not forget: this is the same Hornets team that pulled off a massive fourth-quarter comeback in Karl-Anthony Towns’ 60-point game last season. This game is a chance to finally put those ghosts to rest.
The Battle of the 2020 Draft Class: LaMelo Ball vs. Anthony Edwards
The big headline, of course, is the showdown between LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards, the top two picks from the 2020 draft. At the time, plenty of people thought the Wolves had made a mistake taking Ant over LaMelo, especially when Ball walked away with Rookie of the Year honors. Flash forward to now, and nobody is second-guessing Minnesota’s choice. But let’s be real: these two will be linked for the rest of their careers, and every matchup between them carries a little extra weight. Ant has had his moments this season, but he also had a rough outing last game. This is his chance to show why he’s the face of the Wolves and, without question, the crown jewel of the 2020 draft class.
No Excuses — It’s Time to Show Up
The Wolves have a lot riding on this game. Falling below .500 would be a tough pill to swallow, especially when the expectations for this team were so high. Sure, we can talk about needing time to gel with new pieces like Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. We can talk about the ups and downs of getting everyone on the same page. But here’s the thing: those excuses don’t hold water if they can’t close out games they should win.
This is a golden opportunity for the Wolves to make a statement, especially in front of the home crowd. They need to come out with energy, execute on both ends, and avoid those lapses in focus that let inferior teams hang around. The Target Center faithful deserve to see a team that’s dialed in, ready to dominate, and fully committed to defending home court.
Bottom line? The Wolves have a chance here to get things moving in the right direction. Tomorrow’s game isn’t just about racking up a win; it’s about setting a tone. It’s about putting the league on notice that the Wolves are more than just an up-and-down squad. They’re a force to be reckoned with. And anything less than a commanding win? Well, that just won’t cut it.