After leading by as many as 28 points, the Timberwolves gave their fans a gift, winning on Christmas, narrowly avoiding total collapse
Two things can be true: it was good to see the Minnesota Timberwolves get a win after a miserable, well, season and a three-game losing streak, and the Wolves tried their hardest to throw this game away, notably giving up a 31-9 run in the fourth quarter.
It was such a beautiful first three quarters, and now, despite the win, there’s this sinking feeling that the Wolves may just be middling. They can beat good teams. They can lose to bad ones.
The only consistent thing about these Wolves is that they get into their own way.
Game Summary
Luka Dončić went out with an apparent leg injury about halfway through this game. He left the Dallas Mavericks with a 13-point deficit and did not return. In his stead, Kyrie Irving, after seeing that deficit balloon to 28 points, decided to lock in and hit tough layup after tough layup and draining three after three.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
It was a six-point spurt in the last two minutes of the game that saved the Wolves. A few free throws, an Anthony Edwards drive, and some missed shots from the Mavs came with the perfect timing.
Jaden McDaniels’ playmaking shined, despite having only two assists in the stat column. Edwards was excellent for three quarters, only to try to play 1-versus-5 and struggle to do anything successful. Julius Randle had a great game as well, finishing with a near triple-double.
This game could’ve been another tantalizing opportunity to have hope after they dominated the fourth seed for three quarters (even without their best player). Instead, it is another referendum on the constant and completely predictable failures and pitfalls of this roster’s construction.
Let’s get into it.
Donte Look Now
Don’t look just yet, but is Donte DiVincenzo starting to figure it out? He’s shooting 40% (12/30) in his last five games from three. Today, he went 3/7. Unfortunately, it’s also worth noting that all of those made shots from deep came early this game.
Donte continues to be extremely confusing. There are moments when the player he was last year for the New York Knicks shines through, and other moments where Bucks, or even worse, Kings Donte shines through.
His defense has been impressive. His playmaking is good as a wing, despite regularly being seen as a backup point guard (he’s not one). His ability to attack the rim, still leveraging his reputation as a shooter, has done well to buoy his value on the court when the shot wasn’t falling.
Donte is incredibly unlikely to be moved at any time soon, despite what Fanspo’s trade machine may tell you. This front office has chased him vocally for at least two years. This is the best news we can get.
Playing with Pace
The non-point guard minutes have been a running issue with Head Coach Chris Finch’s rotation this year. However, maybe the team found the solution today.
Shockingly, it’s playing fast. Who would’ve thought that full court allows for easier reads?
There was an extended stretch of DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Minott, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid that went shockingly well. That five-man lineup (although it is usually Jaden replacing Minott) has been a topic of rage for Wolves fans all season long, especially when it results in Randle taking over the offense entirely.
Instead, those five ran hard and pushed the ball in transition. It resulted in a regular flow of open threes and driving layups. If that were consistently part of the Wolves offensive game plan, it would do numbers to ease the mental load of a roster lacking advanced, let alone comfortable playmakers in the rotation beyond Mike Conley.
Look, the offense is ranked 28th in offensive rating. Even with the best defense in the league (which the Wolves are currently not, despite their improved play), they would still be struggling to reach anything above average in net rating.
Any improvements that help the offense should be pursued. In the face of trade season, this is the easy fix.
Just play faster.
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals. pic.twitter.com/CFpZYB9Cz4
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 25, 2024
Up Next
Do you have a vendetta against the state of Texas? Well, lucky for you the Wolves face off against the Houston Rockets on Friday, December 27th at 7 PM CST with fans being able to watch the game on FanDuel Sports Network North.