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?
The Timberwolves gave up 47 “wide open” shots last night to OKC
— Jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) October 20, 2022
The next highest total across the entire nba was 27 https://t.co/eotlO1vg17
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.
Chris Finch said the Timberwolves have to bring more physicality than they did Wednesday
— Jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) October 20, 2022
Anthony Edwards: “I think it’s going to have to come from me. I’m going to have to start it. I see that, and I’ll start it.”
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.
Jaden McDaniels on guarding PnR with Rudy Gobert behind him:
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) October 20, 2022
“Really I just be listening to his calls. When he’s telling me to go out, I know he’s right there. So kind of baiting it a little bit for him to go up against him and I just fan out. It’s just good knowing he’s there.” pic.twitter.com/KyyUXtyR27
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.