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5 keys to the Timberwolves early success

By Adam Ziobrowski

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on November 17, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on November 17, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 24: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high five during the game against the Indiana Pacers on October 24, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 24: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high five during the game against the Indiana Pacers on October 24, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Winning Winnable Games

This key may come with a little controversy. With unimpressive losses to the Pistons, Pacers and Suns it is easy to say the Wolves haven’t done so. Allow me to show you otherwise.

Although those are three games the Wolves probably felt like they should win, bad nights happen. That was the case with the Pacers and Pistons. On back-to-back nights the Wolves suffered a 23 point loss to the Pacers and a 21 point loss to the Pistons.

However, the Pistons are 10-5 and are second in the east, so the loss doesn’t look AS bad. Still, a 21 point loss causes some concern. But that was weeks ago. Same goes for the 8-8 Pacers. It was a bad game played by the Wolves that resulted in a bad loss to a competitive team. Again, bad nights happen.

The only loss that feels inexcusable is to the Suns. The Wolves were in control most of the game until they allowed 33 points in the fourth quarter en route to an eight-point loss. The fourth quarter defense was an issue for the Wolves last season and obviously can’t be one this season. That’s why this loss feels more inexcusable than the rest.

Losses to the Warriors and Spurs are understandable because they are two contending teams. They played a tight game in their first game of the season against the Spurs in a 99-107 loss. However, the Warriors took off in the second half to cruise to a 24 point win.

Looking at some of the games the Wolves have won so far you’ll get the point. The Mavericks, Heat and Hornets are must-win games for the Wolves. They are better statistically and on paper than all three, therefore they must win those games. And they have.

The Pelicans and Jazz are dangerous teams. However, it is more of the same. The Wolves are better on paper than both and should win those games 9 out of 10 times. And so far, they have.

Add in wins against the Thunder and Spurs, who are both threats out west, and you get a better feel for this key.

The Wolves are in fact winning games they should be winning and then some. Continuing to beat the teams they should be beating is just as crucial as it is obvious. Keep in mind that bad nights will happen such as against the Suns, Pistons and Pacers. However, it is all about limiting those bad nights, which in the end comes down to consistency.

Next: Early grades for the Minnesota Timberwolves offseason moves

These five areas have helped lead the Wolves to their early success. In order to keep finding success later on in the season, they need to keep producing in these areas.

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