Minnesota Timberwolves defending 3s, but losing streak continues

The Minnesota Timberwolves had been winning of late because their ability to shoot three-pointers suddenly kicked in. When the Timberwolves roster suddenly drew cold at long-range, so did the team’s ability to win. That was quite a surprise because the team discovered that backup point guard Austin Rivers could shoot from the perimeter, as well as starting point guard D’Angelo Russell, as well as shooting guard Anthony Edwards.

Three-point shots have been a problem for the Timberwolves this season. The Timberwolves struggled mightily to score from three-point range early in the season (34.4 percent – 24th in NBA). Then, after finding the range, the Timberwolves failed to attempt shooting from the perimeter (32.6 shots per game – 20th in NBA).

Then, after upping the number of shots, the Timberwolves struggled to defend against their opponents’ perimeter shooting (36.7 percent – 25th in NBA).  And even after putting up some defensive effort on treys, the Timberwolves continue to allow the most three-point attempts in the NBA (38.7 shots per game – 30th in NBA).

Whack-a-mole Minnesota Timberwolves roster challenges

Even when the Timberwolves improve their game regarding three-point shooting, they are struggling to win. Either they lose the battle for rebounds or turnovers, but inevitably they lose to an opponent who finds a way to put more points on the scoreboard thanks to their perimeter shooting, and the Timberwolves find themselves going back to the drawing board one more time.

In their latest three-game losing streak, the Timberwolves have scored on 33 of 96 shots (34.4 percent) from three-point range.  Their opponents have scored while putting up 39 of 134 shots (29.1 percent). While the Timberwolves have the more accurate shooting, their opponents scored on six more three-point shots, which is a difference of 18 points. In the past three losses, the Timberwolves have lost by a total of just 20 points.

Can this be rectified? Over time. But it feels as though as soon as this Timberwolves roster locks down one problem, another challenge springs up elsewhere. That happens with a young or newly assembled roster. Unfortunately, this team has struggled to get everyone healthy this season.