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Minnesota Timberwolves drop game to Lakers, 3 takeaways

By Dylan Jackson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Ricky Rubio #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves scores on a layup between the Los Angeles Lakers defense during the second quarter at Staples Center on March 16, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Ricky Rubio #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves scores on a layup between the Los Angeles Lakers defense during the second quarter at Staples Center on March 16, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves kept pace with the Los Angeles Lakers for the first three quarters before eventually falling behind in the fourth.

86. 137. 20. Final. 121

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot of positives to look at tonight following a close loss to the reigning NBA champions. LeBron James and Montrezz Harrell took over in the fourth quarter, and Minnesota just could not stick with them.

Without Anthony Davis (among other main role players), the Lakers successfully relied on Talen Horton-Tucker and Dennis Schroder to provide scoring, and they didn’t disappoint.

Let’s get into the takeaways from the game.

Takeaway #1 – Ricky Rubio’s shooting can unlock the Timberwolves offense

Ricky Rubio hit multiple 3-pointers tonight – and it was on display just how important that skill is for him. Last year in Phoenix, he hit 36-percent of his long-range shots on volume, and he was significantly more impactful as a player for the Suns than he has been this year.

Rubio posted a double-double today and was more-so able to attack of the dribble simply because defenders had to respect his shot tonight. We’ve been saying this for *years*, but if Ricky Rubio can shoot, it changes everything.

Takeaway #2 – Malik Beasley might be the Wolves’ best trade asset.

Look, we know, Malik Beasley hasn’t played due to a suspension. And when he has been in the rotation, he’s been undeniably good.

That said, Anthony Edwards has been legitimately great as the two-guard in the Timberwolves offense since the All-Star break – and a lot of that might be due to fit. Lineups have been more-so fitted to maximize his skillset, and Beasley simply isn’t complementary in that regard.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Beasley as the main asset in a trade that acquires a player of Aaron Gordon’s caliber.

Jaylen Nowell’s success this season also makes Beasley more expendable.

Takeaway #3 – Karl-Anthony Towns might be an MVP candidate next season.

It’s too late for the Timberwolves to make an impact on the playoff picture this year, but the growth from Saunders to Finch is real, and it seems as though Minnesota is doing everything they can to maximize their star center as of right now.

Towns has been a great defender this season, and the offense is always going to be there. If the Timberwolves are able to get a middle-playoff-seed in the Western Conference next season (look, we know, that in itself is a long shot), Towns might be playing himself into the MVP conversation in 2022.

He’s been collecting more assists under Finch, and the elbow touches have been transformative for the Wolves’ offense.

Next. Wolf of the week, part 11. dark

The Timberwolves play their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Check back then for game coverage!

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