Takeaways from Minnesota Timberwolves’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks

The Timberwolves were rudderless without Russell, Beverley

This may sound shocking, but missing your two starting guards – who just so happen to double as the team’s two best communicators – will tend to affect a team. Yes, the Timberwolves weren’t able to put much perimeter skill on the court with Russell and Patrick Beverley out, but the impact of missing leadership and communication was even greater.

Everyone knows what Beverley brings from an intensity and direction standpoint, and Minnesota deserves credit for maintaining a solid presence with him out. Russell, who has garnered praise for improving his vocality on defense, was a big part of making up that difference in Beverley’s absence. Without both, the Wolves often appeared aimless on both ends of the court Monday night.

Minnesota missed too many assignments and rotations to get by a team with the Hawks’ firepower. Young operated with ease all game, getting any shot or pass he wanted en route to a 29-point, 11-assist night.

On the other end, Minnesota simply lacked anyone who could run the show. Towns was fantastic in a gritty effort, but the offense wasn’t great outside of a few runs.

This is not unexpected when replacing a talented veteran with a raw rookie. The Timberwolves simply missed the benefits of Russell and Beverley’s experience.