Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 games to look forward to on 2021-22 schedule
By Charles Post
No. 4. Timberwolves look to keep streaking vs. Jazz – Dec. 8
Despite having the best record in the league a year ago, the Jazz were not able to crack the Timberwolves for some reason.
Minnesota went a perfect 3-0 versus Utah, winning by an average of 3.6 points per game, highlighted by a thrilling 105-104 win in April. Russell led the way with 27 points and 12 assists in that meeting.
The Jazz will visit Minnesota on Wednesday, Dec. 8 with a chance for revenge. Utah went 52-20 last season and is expected to be just as good. The core remained intact with Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, and Bojan Bogdanović returning, alongside Jordan Clarkson, Joe Ingles, and offseason additions Rudy Gay and Eric Paschall.
In order to keep up with the Jazz, the likes of Anthony Edwards and Malik Beasley must be at their best and effective on both ends of the floor.
Edwards began to flash his potential late last season and making a statement against a guy like Mitchell could continue to help build confidence on the court. There are definite similarities between their games, and this could very well be a budding interdivisional rivalry.
#5. Timberwolves visit Suns during difficult stretch – Jan. 28
The Timberwolves go through another grueling period of the schedule with road games against the Trail Blazers, Warriors, and Suns before hosting the Jazz and Nuggets.
The away game at Phoenix will tip-off on Friday, Jan. 28. Last season, Minnesota went 1-2 against the eventual Western Conference champions.
The one win was a memorable one. Edwards exploded for a career-high 42 points on 48.5 shooting from the field in 38 minutes played in the mid-March meeting in the desert as the Wolves won, 123-119. It was the most points scored by a Timberwolves rookie in franchise history, surpassing Zach LaVine (37), Christian Laettner (35), and Towns (35).
It will be fascinating to see how Edwards will do against the Suns during his sophomore year after showing he can go toe-to-toe with Devin Booker as a rookie.
Chris Finch’s team must be engaged and sharp when facing experienced and veteran teams like Phoenix and Portland as they look to compete with the West’s premier teams.