Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Staples of the Minnesota Timberwolves offense: Fist 52

By Brian Sampson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves huddles with his team during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves huddles with his team during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a series of sets and plays they run every game. Let’s dive into Fist 52 to see how they execute this series of plays.

Contrary to popular belief, Tom Thibodeau and the Minnesota Timberwolves run a decent amount of designed action every game to get certain players in advantageous positions. While these plays may not always work to perfection, the Fist 52 series is one of their better sets.

They don’t run it very frequently, maybe once every other game, but that can be good. It ensures the defense is unlikely to prepare for it, as it’s not one of the main play calls. This keeps the set fresh and increases the chances it will work when called.

First, why is it called Fist 52?

More from Dunking with Wolves

Well, Fist comes from the screen-the-screener action that the Timberwolves use to begin the play. It usually starts with the 2-guard cross-screening for the 4 and then receiving a pin-down screen from the 5.

The 52 comes from the guys setting the screen. After the initial action, the 2 and 5 then go to set a double-staggered ball screen for the point guard. The 2 rolls very wide or pops to the corner and the 5 rim rolls right down the lane. And there you have it.

Minnesota does a nice job of mixing up the initial action to describe their true purpose which is the double ball-screen. This is key, as it keeps the defense on it’s heels and prevents them from recognizing the play too early and adjusting the way they are playing it.

For more detail, here’s what the play looks like in its various formations:

Next: Timberwolves power rankings: KAT loses his crown

As the season progresses, I’ll continue to release videos containing different sets and plays the Timberwolves run, as well as breakdowns after most games. Make sure to stay tuned in to Dunking With Wolves.

Home/Timberwolves News