Timberwolves Split Weekend Games: Positive Takeaways
The Minnesota Timberwolves had an eventful weekend, splitting a pair of games against formidable opponents. On Friday, the Wolves secured a convincing 17-point victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, followed by a competitive loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Saturday.
Despite the mixed results, there were numerous positives to take away from both games. Our team showed resilience and fight, particularly in the fourth quarter against the Knicks and in mounting a late comeback against the Cavs.
Standout performances from Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Rob Dillingham
Julius Randle’s performances stood out over the weekend. In his emotional return to Madison Square Garden, Randle played a controlled game, contributing 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists and strong defense. He followed that up with a near triple-double against the Cavs, posting 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists. Randle’s efficiency and defensive effort were particularly noteworthy once again.
Naz Reid continued his impressive run of play, extending his streak of double-digit scoring games to eight. Against the Knicks, Reid exploded for 23 points on 11 shots, including a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range. He followed that up with a solid 16-point outing against the Cavs, showcasing his piping-hot three-point shooting and all-around game.
Rookie Rob Dillingham also made his presence felt over the weekend. Despite some defensive struggles, Dillingham’s offensive spark was evident, particularly in the fourth quarter against the Cavs. His ability to create offense quickly and hit from deep proved valuable as we attempted to mount a comeback.
While there were many positives, there are obviously still areas to improve. Our defensive rebounding remains inconsistent, with both the Knicks and Cavs securing too many offensive boards, particularly from guards and wings. Additionally, the Wolves’ perimeter defense against the Cavs lacked consistency at times.
Anthony Edwards had a bit of a roller coaster weekend, shining with 36 points against the Knicks but struggling at times against the Cavs. However, his recent form has been encouraging overall.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Wolves’ weekend performances, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• Preview of the upcoming Wolves-Grizzlies matchup
• Analysis of the Timberwolves’ recent defensive trends
• Discussion on the team’s improved ball security
