Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 numbers that show their improvement

MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 30: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Miami Heatat the American Airlines Arena on October 30, 2017 in Miami Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

4. Points off turnovers

Minnesota doesn’t run very often, but when they do they make the other team pay.

Last season, they weren’t awful at turning opponents turnovers into points, averaging 16.7 a game (10th). However, this year, they’ve taken it to a whole new level and have put up 19.0 points (seventh) off opponents turnovers per game.

Part of the reason is they are causing more turnovers, 16.1 in 2017-18 compared to 14.3 last season.

However, the main reason is the different players they have in their lineup. Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins are still here and they are still great in the open floor. Now, however, Jimmy Butler adds another element along with Jeff Teague.

Ricky Rubio was great at finding open teammates after turnovers, however, Teague does a great job of being able to hit the open man and create his own shot, something Rubio struggles to do.

This opportunistic defense and scoring is an extremely valuable addition to what’s already becoming one of the best offenses in the league. If they can continue to increase the easy baskets it should help elevate them to a whole new level.