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Anthony Edwards scores 33 as Timberwolves’ huge fourth quarter downs Bulls
Timberwolves Triumph: A Fourth Quarter Surge Against the Bulls
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ offense finally clicked on all cylinders, overcoming their myriad defensive issues as a 45-point fourth-quarter allowed the Wolves to surge ahead of the Chicago Bulls. Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels each played pivotal roles in turning the tide.
A Game of Two Halves
The Timberwolves entered the game with a 4-3 record, facing a Bulls team missing key players like Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball. Despite being favored by eight points on FanDuel coming into the game, Minnesota struggled initially, trailing by as many as 13 points. The first half was marked by defensive lapses, allowing the Bulls to capitalize on open shots and maintain their lead. However, the Timberwolves’ offense kept them in the game, with both teams displaying impressive shooting from beyond the arc.
In the second half, the Timberwolves’ defense tightened, and their offensive execution reached new heights. The fourth quarter was a masterclass, with the Timberwolves outscoring the Bulls by a 45-24 margin. Edwards was instrumental, hitting crucial 3-pointers and driving the offense with his dynamic play. Gobert’s presence in the paint was undeniable, contributing on both ends of the floor.
Key Performances and Tactical Adjustments
Jaden McDaniels emerged as a crucial contributor for the first time this season, underscoring just how potent this Wolves offense can be if he’s at the top of his game. McDaniels shot a perfect 3-for-3 from outside the arc, stepping up to provide the Timberwolves with an additional scoring threat, making it difficult for the Bulls to focus solely on Edwards and Gobert.
Gobert’s all-around performance was a testament to his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. His defensive presence was crucial in the paint, and his offensive contributions, including a memorable dunk over Coby White, highlighted his importance to the team’s success.
The Timberwolves’ coaching staff deserves credit for their strategic adjustments, particularly in the fourth quarter. Plays designed to create open shots for players like Donte DiVincenzo were executed flawlessly, showcasing the team’s depth and ability to adapt under pressure.
The victory over the Bulls was not just a testament to individual brilliance but also to the collective effort and strategic acumen of the Timberwolves. The team’s ability to rally and dominate in the final quarter speaks volumes about their potential this season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
- Analysis of the Timberwolves’ defensive challenges and improvements
- A closer look at Anthony Edwards’ leadership on the court
- The impact of Rudy Gobert’s presence in the paint
- Jaden McDaniels’ role in the Timberwolves’ offensive strategy
- Upcoming matchups and what to expect from the Timberwolves
The Nuggets did it (Nikola Jokic did it), the Warriors did it (the death lineup and defensive efficiency), the Celtics did it (switching one through five, pre-switching, neutralizing open lanes), and now the Thunder are doing it.
It’s been described as pestering, smothering, swarming, but I‘d like to put “car wash” into consideration. That’s the set up awaiting opponents. The car (the opposing team) gets locked into those self-driving tracks and the gauntlet begins. Lu Dort and Alex Caruso appear as those cylindrical spinning brushes, stripping the ball outright and early or else funnelling players into the next wave of guards. Pressure continues from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams but it becomes more targeted, thinking of the jet streams of water now being directed at the car from every angle — and those spinning whirlwinds of Caruso and Dort haven’t relented.
If, somehow, an opposing player finds a sliver of daylight in the so-small-its-micro-ball switching scheme the Thunder are playing, if they manage to get out from the many hands reaching in, pressuring, forcing turnovers, then they will meet Chet Holmgren at the rim. Holmgren is like those long, slapping shammy tentacles that come down on the hood, sides and roof of the car from every angle, though his reach and hands are much more expertly deployed. The Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.5 (for context the Warriors, at second best, seem light-years behind with a respectable 103.8) and lead the league in steals (13.4) and blocks (7.3). The cars are coming out spotless, utterly worked.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess proves pivotal in Timberwolves’ victory over the Chicago Bulls. (Star Tribune)
Fans Minnesota Timberwolves’ community celebrates the team’s impressive performance and Anthony Edwards’ standout play. (Canis Hoopus)
Watch Defense wins games? Here’s an insightful breakdown of OKC’s defensive schemes. (Thinking Basketball)
Must Read The Influence of Sedona Price: Take a fascinating look at the domino effect of NIL on college athletics, women’s sports, social media and athlete health. (The New Yorker)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Impact of Miles Bridges’ Injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) holds his knee after a collision at the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center.|Photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
With only three games on Thursday, there was ample time to delve into the latest injury news and its implications for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Their Impact
Miles Bridges’ knee injury is a significant concern. After initially returning to play, he’s now sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee bone bruise. This situation opens up opportunities for other players. With Nick Richards and Mark Williams also out, Taj Gibson steps in as the starting centre. Grant Williams, who has been getting centre minutes, will likely shift to playing more at the four, alongside Tidjane Salaun. This reshuffling could push Williams into a more prominent role, making him a potential pick-up in 12-team leagues.
The absence of Bridges also means increased usage for Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Tre Mann is another player to watch; holding onto him could be beneficial as the team adjusts to these injuries.
Ja Morant’s hamstring injury is another blow, with expectations of a two-week absence. Memphis’ injury reporting is notoriously vague, so fantasy managers should prepare for an extended period without Morant. Tyrese Maxey’s situation is similar, with the Sixers indicating a reevaluation in a week, but realistically, it could be longer. Kyle Lowry is a suitable replacement in the meantime.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Wolves podcasts.
How the Minnesota Timberwolves match up with the Chicago Bulls + Wolves ownership update The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. The Bulls swept the season series against the Wolves last year, but here’s why this result should be different. Plus, NBA Power Rankings and Western Conference standings.
The Minnesota Timberwolves bench is helping carry the offense + Jaden McDaniels’ early struggles The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a solid offense early this season, but it’s been Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Naz Reid off the bench that have done much of the damage. Also, discussing Jaden McDaniels’ rough start to the season.
Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, and the Minnesota Timberwolves defense dominate the Hornets The Minnesota Timberwolves finally put together a complete game, with their defense shutting down the Charlotte Hornets while Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid keyed an efficient offensive attack.
