Play in-chip or not, These Timberwolves are all-in

With just eight games remaining in their 2022-23 NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 1.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The question is whether the Wolves can climb out of the seventh seed and escape the play in the tournament. Of course, the other question that these Timberwolves must answer has far darker consequences. Can the Timberwolves hold onto a chance to even compete in the postseason at all?

Luckily after sitting out since November 28, 2022, with a grade three calf strain, All-Star power forward Karl-Anthony Towns was cleared to return to the court in his first game back vs. the Atlanta Hawks. The three-time NBA All-Star did not disappoint, scoring 22 points in 26 minutes, including knocking down two pivotal free throws to win the game and hoisting Minnesota back to .500

Towns couldn’t have said it better. After missing 52 straight games, no one expected him to affect the game immediately. However, with the playoffs right around the corner. Towns and the Timberwolves can not afford to continue to lose games.

"“It’s obviously one of the beauties of KAT. You can give him the ball in a lot of places on the floor in high-leverage situations. He’s going to get a clean look, put a lot of pressure to get the foul.” – as per Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch discussing Karl-Anthony Towns as quoted by the Washington Post"

Karl Anthony Towns has officially returned, but now the real test beings. Especially with his sidekick, Anthony Edwards sidelined with an ankle injury. The 21-year-old shooting guard held it down while Towns was out. So now it’s time for Towns to return the favor.

His debut at Target Center suggests that he is indeed up for the challenge. But how much can you tell from just one game? All we can say is that it was a great first step, but it will take more than one game to spot the trend.