The Minnesota Timberwolves have an All-Star in Anthony Edwards, former All-Stars Julius Randle and Mike Conley and 2024 Sixth Man of the 12 months Naz Reid. Nonetheless, their offense has had unhealthy stretches in these playoffs — traditionally unhealthy ones.
The Timberwolves scored solely 9 factors within the first quarter of Recreation 5 in opposition to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the third-fewest factors in 1 / 4 in NBA playoff historical past. They completed the primary half down 65-32, with their 32 factors being the ninth-lowest whole in a playoff first half.
As unhealthy as their offense was, the 32-point half will not be their worst opening half in these playoffs. In Recreation 1 of their second-round sequence with the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota put up solely 31 factors, which is the fifth-worst first half in NBA historical past. No less than in that recreation, the Timberwolves trailed by solely 13 factors at halftime, although they went on to lose, 99-88.
In Wednesday’s recreation, they trailed by 33 factors on the break and had extra turnovers than made photographs, 14-12. It is onerous to win an elimination recreation with these sorts of numbers.
For an NBA famous person, Edwards might be passive on offense at instances, particularly when groups ship double groups. When gamers like Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker aren’t making three-pointers, neither is Edwards himself, the Minnesota offense can stagnate. That is additionally true when groups have sufficient measurement to decelerate Randle, who’s susceptible to being stripped when he backs defenders down.
It is also an indication that Minnesota wants so as to add one other true level guard this summer season. Conley has had an important profession, however he is 37 years outdated and might solely play so many minutes. A brand new level guard — possibly 2024 No. 8 decide Rob Dillingham — would assist Edwards and get his teammates the ball in higher locations.
They will have loads of time to determine it out. After OKC’s 124-94 win in Recreation 5, the Timberwolves can have all summer season to dwell on one other five-game Western Convention Finals defeat.
