Timberwolves Stumble Against Hawks: A Familiar Script Unfolds
The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered another disappointing loss, this time to the Atlanta Hawks, following a frustratingly familiar pattern. As we’ve seen in recent games, the Wolves came out flat, missing a slew of open shots early on. This poor start, coupled with foul trouble for key players like Jaden McDaniels, put the team in a 16-point hole by the end of the first quarter.
Despite mounting a furious comeback in the second quarter and briefly taking the lead in the third, the Wolves ultimately ran out of gas down the stretch. The team’s offensive execution problems in close, late-game situations once again reared their ugly head, resulting in a double-digit loss.
Recurring Issues for the Timberwolves
While it’s easy to point fingers at the coaching staff, the issues run deeper. Julius Randle’s turnovers, Anthony Edwards’ shot selection (and lately, his inability to consistently make shots, period), and the overall lack of offensive structure all contributed to the team’s downfall. The stars simply didn’t show up when it mattered most.
If you look at certain areas of the box score that are often trouble areas for Minnesota, it’s almost puzzling how the Wolves lost this game. They out-rebounded the Hawks, dominated in fast break points, and even had an edge in points in the paint. However, the disparity in free throw attempts (26 for Atlanta vs. 13 for Minnesota) and three-point shooting (50% for the Hawks vs. 33% for the Wolves) ultimately sealed their fate.
A Proposed Lineup Change
It’s time for a drastic change to shake things up. It’s time to flip Julius Randle and Naz Reid’s roles. While it may seem unconventional to bench a multi-time All-Star like Randle, the current setup isn’t working, and the team is now back at the .500 mark. Reid has better chemistry and more history with Edwards, and this move could potentially unlock more offensive flow.
Additionally, we need to see more of Josh Minott. In limited minutes against the Hawks, Minott showcased his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, grabbing rebounds, dishing assists, and creating steals. His “do stuff” ability and connective play could be just what this team needs to break out of its current funk.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ struggles and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• Preview of the Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Mavericks
• Analysis of the Timberwolves’ recent offensive woes
• Discussion on the team’s upcoming challenging schedule
