It has been a difficult 2-game stretch for the Timberwolves after losing to the Cavaliers by 21 and losing a close game against the Bucks without their stars. The Wolves leave the Target Center losing another game in the clutch after what feels like Anthony Edward’s 5th missed step-back 3-pointer game-winning attempt of the season. Here are some key takeaways from this matchup before the Timberwolves complete their back-to-back tomorrow night against the Thunder.
Bucks without their Stars
The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard tonight as they were both out with a calf and hamstring injury respectively. This was an amazing opportunity for the new Bucks acquisition, Kyle Kuzma, to prove his value. The Bucks sent franchise legend Khris Middleton to Washington in a 4-team trade, leaving Kuzma with quite the shoes to fill. He proved his worth by finishing the night with a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double, helping his team past Minnesota. Gary Trent Jr. led the Bucks in scoring with 21 points and was lights-out from behind the arch as he shot 60% from 3-point land. The fact that the Bucks’ “others” put together a performance like this, should have Bucks fans optimistic for when their stars return to action after the All-Star break and have Minnesota fans disappointed.
Timberwolves Remain Without Key Pieces
The Bucks weren’t the only team that saw key players miss this game. Injuries to Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo continue to haunt the Wolves in close games like this, and it didn’t help that Mike Conley is missing more time – especially when the offense struggled as much as it did. With Donte and Mike out, it has left the Wolves giving more minutes to Joe Ingles. He has acted as sort of a faux point-guard for the Wolves – something I haven’t been a fan of. It has led to a starting role for Nickeil Alexander-Walker, which has been something that has been working. It is hard to say that the Wolves would be sitting 7th in the West if they were completely healthy, especially with the form Anthony Edwards has seen recently. Injuries for the Wolves also may been a blessing in disguise as it has led to younger players like Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. getting more playing time.
Very Promising Rookie Class for the Wolves
Although rookies Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark struggled in this game, Terrence Shannon showed just how much potential this Wolves rookie class has. Shannon finished the game with a new career-high of 11 points and 6 assists while putting on a show in the ladder half of the game. Shannon came up clutch multiple times in the fourth quarter, showing off his distribution skills. He drew defenders in with his fast attacks on the basket and was able to find the likes of Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid under the hoop. He also drew an offensive foul on Kevin Porter Jr. and got a block on Gary Trent Jr. which allowed the Timberwolves to stay within striking distance. Dillingham and Clark had a combined 2 points and -9 +/- but continued to show flashes of the pieces they could become for the Wolves. Clark had a particularly difficult game, missing multiple layups. The result was disappointing one but should excite Minnesota fans. This team being built around Edwards is nice.
Wolves Shooting Woes…
It is no secret that the Wolves struggled to hit nylon in this contest – the box score will tell you that for free. They shot 37.9% from the floor and just 22.7% from 3. It took Jaden McDaniels until the 4th quarter to get on the board but did help regain the lead late with 10 point in the final quarter. Even with poor splits, the Wolves still saw three players finish with over 20 points – Edwards with 28, Reid with 22, and Gobert with 20. Anthony Edwards finished 10/33 from the field and 4/17 from 3. Not an efficient night by any means but still a good performance when you add on his 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Rudy Gobert had an incredible performance, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds (6 offensive), 4 assists, and 2 stocks. Naz Reid also had a great game in his new starting role with 20, 11, and 2. The Wolves struggled severely in this game but still had top performances from their top guys.
Looking Ahead
The Wolves will look to get back to winning ways tomorrow night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Expect a good game. Anthony Edwards is averaging 36.6 points in his last five outings and is motivated to get a win. If the Wolves can string together a similar collective effort to what we saw in tonight’s 4th quarter, things might get scary for the Thunder. Disappointing result for the Timberwolves losing to the Bucks without Giannis and Dame and shooting poorly – still a very entertaining watch.