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Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 keys to unlocking the 4th quarter

By Reed Redmond

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a play during the game against the Utah Jazz on October 20, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a play during the game against the Utah Jazz on October 20, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Key #4: Get the ball.

More specifically, crash the offensive boards. Then, make free throws.

When late-game shots aren’t dropping, the Timberwolves need to step up on the boards. It’s way too early in the season to draw sweeping conclusions about our overall ability to rebound the ball, but we’ve certainly seen the difference that offensive rebounding can make in the fourth quarter.

In the Wolves’ season-opener, the Spurs grabbed 10 defensive boards in the final 12 minutes. In a game decided by less than ten points, hustling to tip in a couple of those could have sparked a comeback.

Offensive rebounds also create free throw opportunities, which we need to cash in on. Against the Utah Jazz, we went 6 for 9 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. If Jamal Crawford had missed one of his three 3-point attempts (which he didn’t), those missed free throws might have haunted us. That being said, we have otherwise held our own at the free throw line so far this season.

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