The No. 8 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves were held to low standards during Game 1 of their playoff series against the No. 1 seeded Houston Rockets, but don’t tell them that.
The Timberwolves regular season series against the Rockets was depressing, a total of 0 wins and 4 losses for Minnesota. The Wolves were defeated by an average of 16 points a game in those regular season match-ups, which was their biggest differential against any opponent.
The 3-point loss to the Rockets in Game 1 was, in a sense, a morale victory. Thibs and co. refuse to see the loss in that way.
"VIA, Houston Chronicle “I thought we did a lot of things well,” Thibodeau said, “They’re a great team. We can’t have lulls. I thought we were in position at the end to have an opportunity to win that game.”"
Imagine that quote with a frustrated Coach Thibodeau at the podium, he wanted to be more critical but hesitated because of the opportunity they may have for an upset in this series.
The Timberwolves three “stars” were held in check throughout the game, shooting 14 of 35 from the field. Minnesota lacks depth on the offensive side of the ball, so when their three main offensive weapons lay an egg, they’re usually in trouble. Our key player for the game surprised most of Timberwolves’ fandom and media, much to their disappointment.