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3 takeaways from the Minnesota Timberwolves loss to the Clippers

By Dylan Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 10: Terance Mann #14 of the Los Angeles Clippers fouls Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter of the game at Target Center on February 10, 2021 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 (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 10: Terance Mann #14 of the Los Angeles Clippers fouls Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter of the game at Target Center on February 10, 2021 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 (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in a competitive game on Wednesday night in a game which Karl-Anthony Towns returned to the lineup.

77. 112. 86. Final. 112

The Clippers had two players that scored more than ten points: Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams. The Wolves, who were unable to stop either of those players, were buried as the second half progressed.

Takeaway 1: Josh Okogie is way too confident on offense

Josh Okogie taking four 3-point attempts per game is something that should not happen. He made one in the first half, but him being the poor shooter he is, does not need to force shots when the other options offensively include Malik Beasley, Jaylen Nowell, and Anthony Edwards.

Okogie is an incredible defender and has shown flashes while driving to the rim, but for him to take contested perimeter shots early in the shot clock is really, really discouraging. His defense tonight was not good enough to warrant him playing consistent minutes if this continues – and that is absolutely something to monitor.

Takeaway 2: Karl-Anthony Towns is back, and he means so much to the Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t play a ridiculous amount of minutes, but he didn’t have to in order for his presence to be felt. He was efficient in his scoring, led the Wolves in rebounds by a wide margin, and showed an ability to play alongside Naz Reid (which is really promising to see).

Towns being hurt/COVID-positive is a large reason as to why the Timberwolves are in the position that they currently are – but he has the talent and ability to be the reason that this season can be turned around.

Takeaway 3: The Timberwolves have talent, but that “certain something” is missing

I’ve watched a lot of opposing teams’ broadcasts this season, and the one common denominator is the commentators pointing out that the Timberwolves have talent – and a lot of it. Some of the issues this season have stemmed from being a young team in general. Opponents going on big runs is bound to happen.

However, when your head coach cannot consistently make adjustments that benefit the team (or understand which players can/cannot play together), there’s a larger issue at hand. Before, we have pointed out that KAT returning to the team won’t save it from being bad. There are larger issues in Minneapolis – and a lot of them stem from Ryan Saunders.

Next. Jaylen Nowell is having a breakout season for the Wolves. dark

The Timberwolves’ next game is against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. We have you with game coverage – be sure to check back then.

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