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Common threads between Minnesota Timberwolves’ best lineups + keeping the offense top 10
Unlocking the Timberwolves’ Best Lineups
As we dive into the Minnesota Timberwolves’ season through the season thus far, it’s fascinating to see how certain lineup combinations have emerged as true game-changers, as well as which lineups are lagging behind. With the team now 14 games into the season, the data is starting to reveal which player groupings are making the biggest impact on the court.
The Power of the Bench Trio
One of the most striking revelations is the success of the bench trio: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. These three have been pivotal in the Timberwolves’ most effective lineups. Interestingly — but perhaps not surprisingly — both of the top-performing lineups include this trio, alongside two starters, but notably exclude Jaden McDaniels.
The top lineup, featuring Reid, DiVincenzo, Alexander-Walker, Mike Conley, and Rudy Gobert, ranks in the 95th percentile for lineups used over 100 possessions across the NBA. This combination excels defensively, thanks in large part to Gobert’s presence, while also maintaining a strong offensive output.
The second-best lineup swaps Conley and Gobert for Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, showcasing a different dynamic. This group is an offensive powerhouse, scoring at a 95th percentile rate, though it lags defensively without Gobert’s anchoring presence. The common thread in these successful lineups is the bench trio’s ability to complement the starters, providing a spark that elevates the team’s performance.
Jaden McDaniels’ Struggles and DiVincenzo’s Impact
McDaniels has had a challenging start to the season, which is reflected in the lineup data. While he’s had a few solid stretches, his inconsistency and foul troubles have hindered his impact.
In contrast, DiVincenzo, despite not always passing the eye test, has been a crucial contributor. His ability to do the “little things” — from making smart passes to maintaining a strong defensive presence — has been invaluable. DiVincenzo’s lineups consistently outperform those featuring McDaniels, highlighting his subtle yet significant influence on the game.
The Timberwolves’ lineup data underscores the importance of chemistry and the right mix of players on the court. As the season progresses, maintaining this balance will be key to sustaining their offensive and defensive success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ lineup strategies, 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’ offensive strategies and areas for improvement.
- The impact of Rudy Gobert on the team’s defensive performance.
- Insights into the Timberwolves’ shooting trends and their effect on game outcomes.
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
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 Week 5 of the NBA Power Rankings sees some surprising shifts. Check out where the Wolves stand in this detailed ranking summary. (Canis Hoopus)
Stat Are the Wolves already in danger of missing the playoffs? ESPN ranks the teams that should be the most worried.
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
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