The Minnesota Timberwolves’ 120-96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night may not make much of a difference. Granted, the Mavericks have been bitten by injuries and are just 4-11 on the season. However, it is impressive to beat any team by 24 points in a game where your two best players are shooting 9 for 30. Notably, Anthony Edwards shot 5-14, while Julius Randle shot 4-16.
Naz Reid led the way with 22 points and 12 rebounds. The Wolves’ ability to find scoring production outside of their star players is essentially what makes them such a dangerous team.
It’s nothing new for the Wolves to win while Edwards and Randle struggle. In fact, they were 4-0 in Edwards’ lowest scoring games last season. Likewise, the Wolves were 12-6 in games where Randle scored 15 or fewer points.
The Timberwolves’ ability to win in a variety of ways makes them a matchup nightmare
Minnesota can stay afloat offensively if Edwards and Randle struggle because of Jaden McDaniels, Reid, Donte DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert. With McDaniels taking a step up this season, winning while Edwards and/or Randle struggle becomes even more likely. And honestly, more often than not, when Edwards or Randle are struggling, one of them will pick it up. Still, Monday’s game is an example of the fact that the Wolves can win no matter how their stars play.
Outside of the Wolves’ plethora of scoring options, they can screw it up with the best of them on defense. Yes, the Wolves defense struggled early, but they are now ranked 11th and have the second-best defense over the past six games. Additionally, the Wolves have had a top-10 defense since trading for Gobert in 2022.
The Wolves’ two-way balance and great supporting cast allow them to win games in many ways. Listen, it may always be flashy, but it gets the job done. This makes the Wolves a matchup nightmare. Can you imagine somehow holding back a team’s best player (or two best players) and still not winning? That should be heartbreaking.
This is undoubtedly a key factor in why the Wolves have made consecutive conference finals appearances. As Wolves look to reach a final, this ability to pick up ugly wins will benefit them immensely. Honestly, that’s what the playoffs are about.
Overall, this ability to win ugly games and get the most out of their supporting cast is a superpower for the Timberwolves.
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