Ben Beecken here, the host of the daily Locked On Wolves podcast, with your daily Locked On Wolves newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Wolves and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Minnesota Timberwolves have another big comeback turn into a loss as Kings dominate late
Timberwolves’ Struggles Continue: Analyzing the Recent Downturn
The Minnesota Timberwolves have lost four consecutive games, a streak they never experienced last season. The most recent loss in the skid was Wednesday night’s collapse against the Sacramento Kings, where a promising lead in the fourth quarter slipped away as the Kings went on a 29-6 run to close the game. At this point, it’s fair to say that this pattern of late-game failures is becoming a concerning trend for the Wolves.
Defensive Woes and Offensive Stagnation
The Timberwolves’ defense, which was easily the best in the NBA last season, showed glimpses of its former self during the third quarter against the Kings. They limited Sacramento to just 12 points in the frame, showcasing a swarming defensive effort led by Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Rudy Gobert. However, the intensity faded in the fourth quarter, and the Kings started making tough shots as they quickly ate into the 12-point lead that the Wolves built midway through the fourth.
Offensively, the Wolves struggled once again with ball movement, particularly when Anthony Edwards was off the floor. The offense often became stagnant, relying heavily on isolation plays, usually through Julius Randle. When Ant was back on the floor, his response was to resort to hero ball himself, which, of course, has it’s limitations.
The lack of offensive rebounds further highlighted the team’s struggles, as players were not actively cutting or positioning themselves for second-chance opportunities. The Wolves finished the game with just four offensive rebounds. They still gave up 18 fastbreak points to Sacramento, so it isn’t like they were sacrificing second-chance opportunities to get back on defense. Neither problem was solved.
Individual Player Performances and Areas for Improvement
Edwards had a mixed performance, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with shot selection in crucial moments. His attempts to take over the game sometimes led to forced shots, which contributed to the team’s offensive issues. Meanwhile, Randle, despite his scoring efficiency (8-14 FG), was a key factor in the offense’s lack of fluidity, often slowing down the pace and leading to turnovers and poor shots.
The Timberwolves need to address their defensive consistency and find ways to maintain their intensity throughout the game. Offensively, improving ball movement and reducing reliance on isolation plays will be crucial. Integrating players like rookie Rob Dillingham, who played just six minutes in Mike Conley’s return after Dillingham had a breakout game just 24 hours prior, more effectively could provide a spark, especially when the team is searching for offensive rhythm.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ recent 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 strategies and adjustments
- Breakdown of Anthony Edwards’ performance and shot selection
- Discussion on Julius Randle’s impact on the team’s offensive flow
- Examination of the Timberwolves’ upcoming schedule and key matchups
- Insights into potential lineup changes and player rotations
Giving thanks for a better-than-expected rookie class
Happy Thanksgiving! To give you something to talk about with your undoubtedly NBA-fluent families and friends, here are some rookie rankings to chew over.
1. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Over his last ten games, McCain has averaged 23 points per game (top 25 in the league in that span) on solid efficiency, including 39% from deep on crazy volume. Philly hasn’t had much to cheer about this season, but McCain’s surprising on-ball creation and superb off-ball movement have Philly fans seeing a future star (wait, maybe that’s just their court). I’m obsessed with this little moonwalk he uses to shake OG Anunoby juuuust enough to bury a shuriken in his eye:
McCain moonwalks into a three over OG Anunoby
McCain likely won’t score like this when the team’s fully healthy (and he’s cooled off the last two games), but the fact that he can is a great sign for the team’s present and future.
2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Castle has risen to second place thanks to an excellent recent stretch. Since becoming a starter, Castle’s averaged 15 points, three boards, and five assists while playing ferocious defense.
Castle is incredibly versatile. At nearly 6’6” pre-shoes and pre-hair, he has the size and speed to fill any number of roles. As I wrote about at length here, he’s quickly becoming the perfect amorphous fit next to Victor Wembanyama.
Although his three-point accuracy is still developing, Castle’s confidence in his shot is the skeleton key that unlocks the rest of his offensive game. And the more effective he is on offense, the more opportunity he’s given to create absolute havoc on defense.
I’m particularly intrigued by his ability to be a faux-big man in the screen and roll:
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Replay The Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Sacramento Kings with a final score of 112-108 in a close game. Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards led the charge, but Damantas Sabonis and Malik Monk proved too much. See the recap for key moments. (Caniis Hoopus)
Analysis After a tough loss to the Kings, Anthony Edwards voiced his frustrations in the locker room, emphasizing the need for better team cohesion and effort. Edwards’ reaction sheds light on the team’s challenges. (Star Tribune)
Milestone 10,000. Thank you for being one of the first 10,000 readers across our Locked On newsletters. And, we’d be extra thankful if you forwarded this newsletter to a friend to help us reach more fans who cannot get enough of their favorite team.
Must Read LaMelo’s proclivity for fouls, how many wins Philadelphia needs for the play-in, examining OKC’s defense, and more. (ESPN+)
Feel Good The Pistons’ willingness to spend, the Nets’ and Lakers’ new coach, and more things for each NBA team to be thankful for. (CBS Sports)
Analysis A roundtable of experts discusses the league’s biggest storylines after the first month of the season. (Fansided)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
In case you missed it...
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest | Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury could sideline him for at least a week, impacting fantasy basketball strategies. This opens opportunities for players like John Collins, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh to increase their roles and fantasy value.
Ja Morant Is Set To Return And Impact Fantasy Basketball Leagues | Monday’s NBA action saw significant fantasy basketball impacts, with Gary Harris and Jalen Suggs suffering hamstring injuries, potentially increasing roles for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Wolves podcasts.
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