Why has the Timberwolves’ Offensive Surged?
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ offense has been on a tear since the start of 2024, and it’s time we take a closer look at their impressive offensive performance. Despite a record that might not fully reflect their overall improvements (7-6 in January), the Wolves have shown significant growth on the offensive side of the ball — and particularly against top-tier defenses.
Since January 1st, Minnesota has boasted the seventh-best offensive rating in the league. What’s even more impressive is their performance against top-10 defenses, where they rank fifth with a stellar 118.9 points per 100 possessions. This is no small feat, considering they’ve faced seven top-10 defenses in their 13 games in 2025.
The driving force behind this offensive resurgence has been the team’s improved free throw rate. The Wolves currently lead the NBA in free throw attempts per 100 field goal attempts since the new year, a stark contrast to their earlier season performance. Anthony Edwards has been at the forefront of this change, consistently getting to the line and attempting at least four free throws in every game since New Year’s Day.
Edwards’ evolution as a player is evident in his ability to maintain his three-point shooting volume while significantly increasing his free throw attempts. This combination of perimeter threat and aggressive driving has made him an even more formidable offensive weapon.
Gobert and Randle Impact Saturday’s Win Over the Nuggets
Rudy Gobert’s impact on the offensive end was real in Saturday’s blowout win over the Denver Nuggets. His effectiveness in the short-roll was crucial, creating opportunities for teammates and putting pressure on the defense. This aspect of Gobert’s game, which was somewhat inconsistent earlier in the season, has steadily improved and has been augmented by Jaden McDaniels’ improved play on offense as well.
Julius Randle was also a force against the Nuggets, especially early in the game. The combination of Edwards’ driving, Randle’s physicality, and Gobert’s presence in the paint created a multi-faceted offense that was difficult for the Nuggets to contain in the halfcourt.
While the Wolves’ offense has taken significant strides, there’s clearly still room for improvement, particularly in crunch-time situations. As the team continues to refine their late-game execution, they could see their win-loss record more accurately reflect their offensive prowess.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ offensive transformation, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• Breakdown of the Wolves’ dominant win over the Denver Nuggets
• Preview of upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Hawks
• Analysis of the Western Conference standings and the Wolves’ playoff positioning
