The Minnesota Timberwolves came out on the wrong end of a matchup with one of the NBA’s worst teams Thursday night. The 110-105 loss came at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, who picked up just their fourth win of the season, while the Timberwolves dropped another winnable game. Anthony Edwards‘ team is not where they likely expected to be, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst offered an explanation focused on defense for why the Timberwolves sit with an 8-7 record.
Timberwolves Puzzling Record Due to Problematic Defense
Timberwolves Unimpressive 8-7 Record Hurting From Defensive Woes
Much of the attention in Thursday night’s game in Toronto was drawn to a verbal on-court back-and-forth between Edwards and Rudy Gobert. The chit-chat between players started from the offensive end and carried back up the floor to the Timberwolves defensive end. Then there was the comically, poorly executed passing play from Julius Randle to Gobert underneath the basket that forces you to smack your head in puzzlement. The Timberwolves blew this game. At the same time, they didn’t deserve to win it either.
Minnesota’s struggles, which have contributed to a disappointing 8-7 record, can be attributed to a handful of things. There is likely a need for more comfort and continuity between new teammates while Edwards, Gobert, and company adjust to KAT’s absence. There could also be the element of flat-out inconsistency and execution on both ends of the floor. Windhorst has another reason to toss into the hat, and he discussed it Friday afternoon during an NBA Today segment.
“…the reason that the Timberwolves are struggling right now is they’re not defending. They were the number one defensive team in the league last year; they were essentially tied for first in the Western Conference. They’re back in the middle of the pack this year. They are not going to succeed as a team unless they’re an elite defensive team. That’s what the issue is…the reason they’re struggling is because they’re not defending.”
The absence of Towns could have a hand in the Timberwolves issues, and they have yet to discover a counter. Having said that, Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is also struggling in his own right. As Windhorst stated, Minnesota was a team predicated on their defense last season. So, something has shifted within the locker room or on the floor, leading to their current defensive downfall. Defense usually comes down to effort and energy. Is Minnesota dogging it? It’s unlikely. However, they have to re-discover that defensive edge they had last year, and fast.
Newbie Expresses Positive Outlook Despite Low Point
Randle was brought back in the KAT trade, along with Donte DiVincenzo from the New York Knicks. Statistically, he’s putting up solid numbers and contributing to the Timberwolves offense. It’s evident, though, that the newly formed squad has yet to click together wholly. Randle sees a breakthrough ahead, though, and expressed optimism in the locker room after the loss in Toronto that the Timberwolves will find their way.
Unless last season was a fluke, Minnesota should be able to regain its defensive strength. Gobert has to play better, and he knows that, having admitted the sentiment several times in the last few weeks. But Edwards is the catalyst here—the leader of the team. A defensive shift begins with him; otherwise, this season will play out much differently than last.
