Despite finishing eighth in the Western Conference this season, the Timberwolves came second to last in the Northwest Division. Although divisional standings only come into play in late-stage tie breakers, the Timberwolves will need to finish better than fourth to increase their conference standing next season.
Out of six divisions in the NBA, the Timberwolves were part of the closest-finishing group. The top and bottom of the Northwest Division were split by just three games. The Northwest Division also happens to be the only group not to have a team under 30 wins, with the lowest-placed Denver Nuggets finishing one behind the Wolves on 46 wins.
Thankfully, the NBA playoff system doesn’t rely on Divisional standings as the NFL does, but if the Timberwolves plan on climbing their way higher up the playoff run next season, that divisional standing is likely to be a bigger deal.
With a league-high four playoff teams coming out of the Northwest Division, the Timberwolves will certainly have their work cut out for them.
Finishing ahead of us this season were Portland, Oklahoma and Utah, and only fifth-placed Denver were only knocked out of playoff contention in the do-or-die game against the Wolves to finish out the regular season. These teams are all a high chance to contest a playoff spot again next season.
C'était quand même n'importe quoi la Northwest Division cette année... pic.twitter.com/lN9ClswQM7
— DENuggetsFR (@DENuggetsFR) May 31, 2018
If the Timberwolves hadn’t dropped that game to Memphis near the end of the season, they wouldn’t have been in a sudden death game to close out the season, and the playoff standings may have been shaken up a bit.
If the Wolves didn’t drop other winnable games (see: Phoenix) then things may have been a lot different.
The Timberwolves had quite a successful season, however it could’ve been much better were it not for injuries, and perhaps with some improved team chemistry.
Looking ahead to next season, it is entirely possible for the Timberwolves to claim the Northwest Division. For a large portion of the regular season the Wolves held that crown, and things only started slipping downhill when Jimmy Butler got injured.
Should the Wolves be blessed with good health next season, I definitely expect the Wolves to be able to finish higher than Denver and Utah, and Oklahoma City should be in reach and depending on Portland’s offseason, they too could be left behind.
It’s certainly within the Timberwolves’ ability to clinch the Northwest Division next season, and in doing so increase their conference standing. The division will likely still be competitive next season, but each team will step up within the group and are likely to lead to a better playoff run, which the Timberwolves are due after their short series against the Rockets.
Next: Timberwolves Draft Profile: Omari Spellman
The Timberwolves’ path to an impressive season begins this free agency and draft period. Keep your eyes tuned on Dunking With Wolves for all our updates.