Minnesota Timberwolves defense left a lot to be desired in opener

When it comes to the Minnesota Timberwolves and an improved defense, don’t waste your breath or energy asking the obvious question:

‘Are we there, yet?’

No. Not yet. And while we have no scientific or mathematical formula to estimate when the Timberwolves’ defense will turn the corner, I can attest that from what we witnessed in Game 1, the Minnesota Timberwolves clearly have a ways to go. That fact should not surprise anyone. It really shouldn’t. After all, the Timberwolves are not just tracking on a new course, but Karl-Anthony Towns is taking up the power forward position this season.

That is all going to take time. And after a pretty lackluster defensive effort, the time required to make it all happen may seem longer than it will require.

What’s the plan for defense?

If you wanted the Minnesota Timberwolves to show a significantly improved defense this season, you were likely disappointed by their uninspired performance in Game 1. How bad was it?

Oh. Pretty bad.

So how did Coach Finch and SG Anthony Edwards handle their less-than-impressive overall defense? With direct conversation, accountability, and defined next-game goals.

I don’t believe that the matter comes down to just one guy. I also don’t think that the Minnesota Timberwolves were particularly horrific on defense. After all, both Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels brought their A-game on defense, and it was that defensive effort that changed the momentum of the game on multiple occasions.

The Timberwolves simply need consistency, need to get a body on a boy, and must learn how to cohesively put up a much stronger defensive effort from everyone on the basketball court from start to finish.

That means doing a much better job of rebounding, clogging the lanes, and getting active hands into passing lanes and into shooters’ faces. It will come in time, but to respond once more to the question posed earlier:

No, we’re not there yet. Just settle back and enjoy the ride.