Timberwolves frontcourt will be tested in upcoming clash at Cleveland

Following a third consecutive loss on Friday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves are hoping to get back on track but it’s going to be difficult to do so against the Cleveland Cavaliers’ frontcourt.

Timberwolves first-year center Rudy Gobert and frontcourt mate Karl-Anthony Towns are still adjusting to one another and it’s taking longer than expected for the Timberwolves to gel because there’s a lack of energy and spacing every night.

In the last three games, the Wolves have been outscored by an average of 17.0 points in the first half alone. It’s obvious the team isn’t playing with enough effort to win consistently.

In order to compete with the Cavaliers tomorrow, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has to avoid a slow start and the frontcourt will be critical as Gobert and Towns prepare to face Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen and power forward Evan Mobley.

The Timberwolves frontcourt will be tested in the upcoming clash at Cleveland

Three-time All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell is the Cavaliers’ driving force on offense but Allen and Mobley set the tone with elite rebounding and rim protection including a combined 18.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.

Even though his team played with more energy against the Memphis Grizzlies last night, Finch was frustrated with the rebounding and he discussed that in the postgame press conference.

"“The story of the game is offensive rebounding. They crushed us on the glass. A lot of things we talked about doing, we did. I thought we had way more of a consistent effort than we’ve had. Especially when the game was going against us, we didn’t hang our heads and gave ourselves a chance. The margin for error is super slim when they have 15 offensive rebounds and 32 second chance points. It basically means they’re scoring on every rebound they got. When you’re not playing well, you’re concerned about everything but I still believe this is a good team. We just haven’t earned the right to be good, whether it be inconsistent effort or just breakdowns at the wrong time.” – as per the Minnesota Timberwolves."

In a loss against Cleveland last season, Allen dominated with a team-high 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. That can’t happen again if the Timberwolves are going to get a much-needed win.

Gobert and Towns have to contain Allen on the glass but the entire team must play at a high level because the Cavaliers have enough talent to hand the Timberwolves a fourth straight loss on Sunday.