Dunking With Wolves
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Are this years’ Timberwolves serious playoff contenders?

By Cooper Langby

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 6: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 6: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a relatively positive start to the season. Among some major ups and downs, they are proving themselves to be capable of winning games on the court, but is it enough to get them to the finish line?

Through 14 games of the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves currently boast a 9-5 record, among the elite in the Western Conference and number one in the Northwest Division. Both of these places are unfamiliar to Wolves’ fans the last few years.

In fact, this time last year we possessed a measly 4-10 record, without much to show for ourselves.

But this year, things are different. The Timberwolves are winning games over competitive teams like the Thunder and Spurs, and asserting themselves as a force to be reckoned with, even in the top-heavy Western Conference.

Karl-Anthony Towns has continued on his path to stardom, asserting his place on the throne of the Timberwolves franchise, whilst Andrew Wiggins has continued to improve, knocking down game-winning shots when called upon.

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The addition of Jimmy Butler has yet to live up to the expectations many had for his offensive impact on the Wolves, however, his defensive presence and veteran leadership are a big reason why this team has been performing as it has. The two games he missed due to sickness, the Wolves were blown out by 20+ points to both Indiana and Detroit.

If Jimmy Butler can provide the offensive talents he clearly possesses, and has showcased throughout his career, the Wolves will likely be a bigger force in games against teams such as Golden State, who dominated us in a 24 point blowout win.

If the Timberwolves we’re currently seeing continue their winning ways, a playoff berth should be well within grasp, and we’ll finally be seeing our Wolves in playoff basketball after 13 long years. However, I have my doubts on just how far the Wolves can go in the postseason.

Sure, our starters are dominant and our bench is greatly improved, but a lot of our team is yet to taste postseason basketball, and an inexperienced, unprepared team could spell disaster in the first round.

The Western Conference is stacked with talent this year and any team that makes their way into the top eight are going to be a challenge to overcome in the playoffs. While the Wolves have proven themselves against competitive teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, they’ve dropped a game to the Phoenix Suns, who aren’t looking poised to make a playoff berth this year.

Inconsistency and overconfidence may be a problem for the Timberwolves and any playoff team is sure to punish that the best they can.

While Coach Thibs himself has playoff experience, I personally think it may be  a little too much to ask to throw all these young players in the deep end in their first year of the new-era and expect a great result. Playoff experience this season will do the team a world of favors, and returning next year may yield a better result and a deeper run, with more experience the driving force behind the players’ confidence.

I myself am not expecting much more than a first or second round fight from the Wolves. While a championship is the goal, I think it’s a little too soon, and I will be proud of the growth of this team over the last few years if they can solidify their first playoff appearance in 13 seasons.

The playoffs are still a way off, but the Timberwolves are proving themselves as a serious contender for a top-eight finish. Lots can change, but with the basketball the Wolves have showcased so far this season, I’m proud to call myself a Timberwolves fan.

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