The Minnesota Timberwolves are peaking at the right time. After winning their last four games in a row, the Wolves have vaulted themselves into the top six seeds in the Western Conference. They now hold tiebreakers over several of the teams competing with them for a playoff spot, and are in excellent position to end up playing in the postseason.
Heading into this past weekend, Minnesota had won two in a row and was faced with the daunting task of playing the defending champion Warriors on their home turf, then heading to Sacramento to face the high-powered offense of the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back. With heavy playoff implications in both contests, it could not have been a tougher two-game road trip.
After emerging with wins in both games, the Timberwolves are looking like one of the hottest and most dangerous teams in the league at the moment. Nearly everyone stepped up in a big way in two of the most important games of the season for Minnesota. Let’s take a look at how the impact players performed during this crucial stretch.
Karl-Anthony Towns
In his second game back after a 52-game absence, Karl-Anthony Towns made the two biggest shots of the game against the Golden State Warriors to help secure the victory. He knocked down two three-pointers in the final two minutes of the game at Chase Center, the second of which was an incredibly gutsy attempt on a fast break with the Wolves down by one with 11 seconds to go.
Both of KAT’s threes in the final minutes gave Minnesota the lead in a game that they won by just three points. His presence as a shot-maker in his first two games back has showed again just how valuable he is offensively, and how much he was missed for the majority of the season.
Towns rested in the second game of the road trip against the Kings for precautionary reasons. His 5-for-16 shooting mark against Golden State is the only thing preventing him from earning an A+ here.
Grade: A
Anthony Edwards
The two-game California road trip represented Anthony Edwards’ first two appearances back on the floor since missing three contests due to the ankle injury he suffered in Chicago on March 17. As a result, he did not necessarily look like the player we have watched all season.
Scoring 13 and 17 points on low efficiency in his return to action for the Timberwolves is certainly subpar, but not completely unexpected. Thankfully, Karl-Anthony Towns has been able to shoulder some of the scoring load while Edwards ramps back up.
Even while looking a bit more sluggish than usual, Ant has knocked down some big shots and looked to be back to his usual self as a passer against the Kings. His return to a high level of play will be essential for Minnesota down the stretch.
Grade: C+
Mike Conley
So far, it has been a dream fit between Mike Conley and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The veteran presence of Conley has been absolutely huge for this group, with his leadership manifesting itself both on and off the court.
Conley has looked like the perfect floor general for this squad, with Rudy Gobert appearing far more comfortable next to him than he was with D’Angelo Russell. Conley may not be quite the gunner that D’Lo is offensively, but his shot-making has been timely and his decisions with the ball have helped the Timberwolves in crunch time.
Against the Warriors, Conley’s four three-point makes were absolutely huge. His clutch buckets down the stretch versus the Kings were big in helping seal the win as well.
Grade: B+
Jaden McDaniels
After dealing with foul trouble at Golden State and picking up five personal fouls in just 10 minutes of action, Jaden McDaniels had a fantastic bounce-back performance in Sacramento on Monday. Putting up 20 points on 53% shooting, he showed once again how much easier scoring is coming for him.
His high-flying dunk in the second half was one of the most memorable highlights of the game. Defensively, McDaniels was his usual self, picking up a couple of steals and frustrating talented opponents like De’Aaron Fox. He would have easily earned an A here if not for his limited playing time against the Warriors.
Grade: B
Rudy Gobert
The last two games have been outstanding outings for Minnesota’s starting center. After receiving hefty criticism for much of the season, Rudy Gobert appears to be returning to form as a dominant force thanks in part to Mike Conley. He was a big reason the Wolves emerged victorious in both their games last weekend.
Against the Warriors and Kings, we witnessed a recurring phenomenon wherein opposing offensive players become hyper-aware of Gobert’s paint presence and simply refuse to attempt shots at the rim for fear of being blocked. This is one of the main reasons why criticism of Gobert’s relatively low block total this season is mostly unwarranted.
Rudy notched double-doubles in both games of the California road trip, including a monstrous 16 points and 16 rebounds in Sacramento. His free throw percentage improved over this stretch on higher attempts as well. This version of Gobert is the player the Timberwolves have needed, and he is showing up when it matters most.
Grade: A+
Naz Reid
Naz Reid. Is there anything more to say? The backup big man continued what has been a career year against the Warriors and Kings, scoring efficiently and providing all-around quality minutes for the Timberwolves.
Reid’s poster dunk against Alex Len on Monday night was certainly one for the highlight reels. It was the most emphatic bucket in a game where Naz scored 18 and knocked down two threes, one night after putting up 23 points on 10-for-17 from the field against Golden State.
It is becoming increasingly obvious how valuable Naz Reid is coming off Minnesota’s bench. His instant offense and versatility make him playable in nearly any lineup, and he will continue to be a major factor in the Wolves’ success.
Grade: A-
Kyle Anderson
Once an afterthought in Minnesota’s 2022 offseason, Kyle Anderson continues to solidify his case as the Timberwolves’ greatest free agent acquisition in team history. His veteran leadership and steady play has been an absolute game changer for this group.
Against the Warriors and Kings, he did what he does best: play smart, methodical basketball and put his teammates in position to be successful. Anderson’s five steals against Golden State was a game-changer, and his takeaway from Draymond Green in the closing seconds helped seal the win for the Wolves.
On Monday, his 50% shooting and 11 assists contributed to yet another masterful all-around performance from the versatile wing. The high IQ and discipline that a player like Kyle Anderson brings will continue to be a ceiling-raiser for Minnesota.
Grade: A