Timberwolves play a different tune for Jazz on the road

The first and only time the Minnesota Timberwolves faced the Utah Jazz, it was the visiting Jazz that surprised everyone. The two teams ended regulation play all tied up at 120 apiece. In overtime in that one, the Jazz scored the final seven points and emerged with a surprising win. That win would propel the Jazz to records of 9-3 and 12-6 before they would face adversity.

Conversely, the Timberwolves would be stuck in NBA limbo, winning some and losing some, but never straying too far on either side of .500. There were plenty of reasons to explain the inconsistent play, but it came down to execution who had not yet figured out their roles or that of their teammates. A tough loss? Sure. But it was not the display to form permanent conclusions.

The Timberwolves are not ‘there’ yet by any means. There are nights when the team’s starters are not consistent. At other times, the Minnesota Timberwolves bench is unable to spark either an offensive or defensive spark to rally the team.

But there are signs that the pieces are beginning to fall into place.

For starters, the presence of center Rudy Gobert is beginning to feel ‘right,’ as he had another double-double performance of 22 points and 13 rebounds. Another start on the team is Anthony Edwards, who has been a thief on a basketball court, would end this one with 14 points, 6 rebounds, two assists, and three steals. A down night? Sure. But three steals is a pretty good bit of defense, and this was a lull for A1.

Slo-Mo with the smooth hand

Forward Kyle Anderson, who has been the duct tape for the Timberwolves roster so far this season, showcased one more skill that the team had not witnessed before. Slo-Mo dished out 12 assists in this one, to go with his 15 points and become another unlikely double-double for the TWolves.

And then there is PG D’Angelo Russell, who got red hot in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 of his 30 points and hitting all six of his six treys to ice the game for the Timberwolves. At the end of regulation play, the Timberwolves ensured that there would be no overtime.

The Timberwolves ended the game with an advantage over the Utah Jazz in virtually all categories. But the one that caught my eye the most was the three-point accuracy. The Timberwolves scored 40 percent of their perimeter shooting, while the Jazz only hit on 29.5 percent of their threes.

Just like the first time these two teams met, this is too soon to form any permanent conclusions about either team. But unlike the last time, trends are pointing in a very positive direction for the Minnesota Timberwolves right now.