Timberwolves vs. Warriors: A difficult test for the defense

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Mar 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) shoots the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

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Record: 26-37 (home 16-18, road 10-19)

Starting Lineup

PG – Ricky Rubio (9.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 8.7 apg)

SG – Shabazz Muhammad (9.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.5 apg)

SF – Andrew Wiggins (23.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.4 apg)

PF – Karl-Anthony Towns (24.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 2.9 apg)

C – Gorgui Dieng (10 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.1 spg)

Key Reserves

Rookie point guard Kris Dunn (3.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.4 apg) was fierce in the Timberwolves’ last game against the Clippers. He scored eight points, hitting both of his attempted three-pointers with confidence, and played terrific, high-effort defense throughout the game. When Dunn is playing well, the entire second unit seems to get a boost. The Warriors are not an especially deep team right now, and the times when the Timberwolves’ bench is on the floor could be crucial stretches if Minnesota is to win.

Lance Stephenson (4.2 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg) has only played five games for the Wolves this season, but his impact has been noticeable, especially on the defensive end. His size on the wing is key, and Stephenson seems to have caught on to coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense quite quickly. With the Warriors historically good from deep, Stephenson’s defense on the perimeter will be big as the Timberwolves continue to try and keep opponent’s scoring low.

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