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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 #2: Take smart shots.

Disclaimer: As long as the ball goes in, Jamal Crawford can do whatever he wants.

With so much talent on the offensive end, there’s no reason to throw up low-percentage shots when we have a lead at the end of a game. Why not keep attacking the rim?

In their first few games, the Wolves have struggled to build or maintain momentum in the fourth quarter. When the opposing team starts connecting on late 3-pointers, it’s important to stay composed, run an offense, find a good shot, and stop the bleeding.

After Russell Westbrook tied Sunday’s game at 110 with 30 seconds to go, the Wolves did exactly that. Where we would have chucked up a contested 3-pointer a year ago, the Wolves’ Big Three moved the ball, remained patient, and waited for their shot to open up. Andrew Wiggins kicked the ball out to Jimmy Butler, who trusted Karl-Anthony Towns to make a play. Their patience was rewarded when KAT converted an 8-foot floater to take the lead.

We need to see more of that all quarter (and all game) long.

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