Dunking With Wolves
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Rival’s perspective: Let KAT eat

By Brian Sampson

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 27: The Golden State Warriors championship banners are seen before the game between the Washington Wizards on October 27, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 27: The Golden State Warriors championship banners are seen before the game between the Washington Wizards on October 27, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have a national television showdown with the Golden State Warriors. What do Warriors’ writers think of this matchup?

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to win their sixth straight game against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Let’s see what Carlos Murillo of Blue Man Hoop has to say about their matchup.

1. What’s been the biggest difference during this Warriors’ 4 game win streak compared to their first 6 games?

Carlos Murillo via Blue Man Hoop (@LosMurillo126): Early in the season, the Warriors seemed a little disinterested. They’d build leads and let them slip away or they’d come out flat and would play from behind to start the game. The championship hangover has been very real for this squad.

Lately, they’ve been a little more focused. Stephen Curry has been playing at an MVP-level, which is never a bad thing. Everything the Warriors do starts and ends with him. He’s the key to everything and he’s been playing extremely well.

While they haven’t had many games where they’ve played a full 48 minutes, they go on big runs. They’ve been moving the ball extremely well, something that they’ve had a tough time doing at times. And when things jam up, the Warriors have found ways to get easy points at the free throw line. After building these leads, their defense has stepped up and refused to let teams back in the game, for the most part.

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Brian Sampson via Dunking With Wolves (@BrianSampsonNBA): For a team that’s so historically great as the Warriors, it must be extremely difficult for them to stay focused during the regular season. They know they are the most talented team every single night they step on the court and can turn on the jets whenever possible. They are simply here to set up their success in May and June.

The biggest difference for Golden State has been their defense. Their offense will always be there, but their defense has stepped up during this win streak, which is a huge aspect of their success.

2. What will be Golden State’s game plan against the Timberwolves? What weaknesses will they exploit?

Carlos: Out of all of the teams that went out and made big moves this offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves have made the most progress thus far. Heading into the season, I had questions about Andrew Wiggins and his place, but he’s been really good.

The Warriors need to run and take care of the ball. The Wolves are second to last in the league in fast break points. Minnesota turns the ball over quite a bit so if they can turn defense into quick offense they should be OK. They don’t really have anyone to stop Karl-Anthony Towns in the halfcourt (who does?) so getting out and running would be their best option. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant are coming off of poor shooting nights so I’m sure they’ll be much more focused heading into the Minnesota game and would love to run to the line on the break.

Brian: If I’m Golden State I would go small and force Towns to defend Draymond Green in the pick-and-roll. I feel like I say this every time, but Towns defense has been horrendous this season and it would be invaluable for the Warriors to continue putting him in difficult positions on that end of the floor.

3. If you were the head coach of the Timberwolves, how would you attack the Warriors?

Carlos: The Warriors are going to turn the ball over. Tom Thibedou is a guy who has made his money preaching defense. While the Timberwolves are still getting there, this is the perfect game for him to emphasize that. Going up against Golden State’s offense can be daunting, but if you’re physical and disciplined–particularly in defending screens–you can force them into coughing up the ball.

Draymond Green is coming off a great shooting night. He went 4-for-6 on threes in their last outing. Still, he’s not an elite marksman. The Wolves should dare Green to beat them from deep.

Lastly, let KAT eat. No one on the Warriors can guard him. Zaza Pachulia is too slow. JaVale McGee isn’t disciplined enough. Green is too small.

Next: Brian's breakdown: How Bjelica has gotten of to his hot start

Brian: If I’m Tom Thibodeau I would use Jeff Teague, Butler and Wiggins to directly attack the Warriors on offense. Force them to choose between giving up an easy basket or fouling. I know it’s not nearly that easy, but it’s important to force their stars to play hard on both ends of the floor. Durant’s turned himself into an elite defender, but it’s still important to test him and force him to exert effort.

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