Yep, it’s only November and the Minnesota Timberwolves have a 7-4 record. However, it’s never too early to start thinking about the playoffs, especially for a Wolves team hoping to make a championship run. One undeniable advantage the Wolves have that will help them in the playoffs is their isolation score.
The Wolves have two of the league’s best isolation scorers in Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, which could help them make another deep playoff run. Randle ranks second in points per isolation possession and fifth in iso-points per game, while Edwards ranks second in iso-points per game. Both stars are in the top five in terms of isolation frequency. Unsurprisingly, as a team, the Wolves rank first in iso points per game and second in points per isolation.
The Timberwolves have dominated in isolation this year
Anthony Edwards: 6.7 ISO ppg (second in the league)
Julius Randle: 5.8 ISO ppg (fifth in the league) and 1.42 ISO points per possession (second in the league)
As a team: first in ISO ppg and second in ISO PPP pic.twitter.com/A6ZhwdDWUh
— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) November 12, 2025
The playoffs are all about creating advantages, and having two of the best isolation scorers in the league gives Minnesota a huge advantage.
The Timberwolves are a matchup nightmare
Last season, it took a while for Edwards and Randle to feel comfortable playing with each other. Both their individual isolation stats and the Wolves’ overall ISO stats were a lot lower. Still, the upside and talent of this duo was undeniable. As the season progressed, they found their groove and eventually made it to the Western Conference Finals.
Now that both players know each other, they are flourishing. Chris Finch is also leaning toward a system that prioritizes Edwards and Randle. Both players have seen an increase in usage rates. Chalk this all up to a small sample size if you like. However, I believe in this, especially since the Wolves starting five operates without a traditional point guard.
Let’s get back to why this is an important advantage come playoff time. As mentioned earlier, creating advantage is key, especially in the play-offs. The Wolves’ gifted isolation scorers allow them to hunt matchups and create efficient shots at all three levels. Edwards’ growth as a mid-range scorer certainly helps in this area as well.
How do you beat isolation scorers? Well, generally you love them and ‘sell’ them. Still, the Wolves have two experienced iso-scorers, so that’s harder to do. Additionally, sending the house on Edwards or Randle leaves the Wolves shooters open.
Crucially, the Wolves have the second-best three-point shooting percentage in the NBA. The offensive growth of Jaden McDaniels gives the Wolves another creator and someone who can knock down those open shots.
Ultimately, the Wolves’ isolation score and their overall size make them a matchup nightmare, especially in the playoffs. While the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are rightfully considered favorites in the West, don’t sleep on the Timberwolves.
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