Timberwolves face their moment of truth: NBA Playoffs or go fishing

The Minnesota Timberwolves failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity to steal a win against the Los Angeles Lakers. As a result, the team is still searching for a playoff berth. It’s back to the drawing board for Head Coach Chris Finch and the Minnesota Timberwolves. No time to look back with the young but hungry Oklahoma City Thunder lurching in the background. On Friday Night, April 14 at Target Center, the gloves come off, and the loser will be officially eliminated from the postseason.

The Timberwolves came out strong versus the Lakers but finished ice cold. While Minnesota shot 40 percent from beyond the arc, the Wolves also committed 20 turnovers on the night, which is definitely not a recipe for success.

When you compare that effort to that of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory, it’s obvious that the Timberwolves cannot afford to perform like this. The Thunder’s lineup loves to get up and down the court and control the game’s momentum by leveraging their youth and speed. If the Thunder controls the tempo in this one, you can expect a fast-paced game with a lot of shooting. Turnovers add up and could potentially turn into a double-digit lead. With their backs against the wall, playing catch-up is foolish.

The Timberwolves have some solid veterans of their own

One good thing for the Timberwolves, this time around they won’t have to face two future Hall of Famers standing in their path. Come Friday at tip-off, the Timberwolves will have arguably the two most impressive players on the floor in power forward Karl-Anthony Towns and shooting guard Anthony Edwards.

While this news may just be precautionary. The Timberwolves continue to list Karl-Anthony Towns as questionable with a right calf strain ahead of Friday’s match against the Thunder. Big KAT was also listed as questionable against the Lakers, but played and finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Come tipoff KAT will be in the starting lineup. This is the time of the year when you need all your superstar players to be at the top of their game. They need to step up when it matters most.

As Rudy Gobert goes, the Frenchman is questionable with back spasms. Gobert didn’t play against the Lakers due to his one-game suspension. If he is unable to go, his absence could be hugely detrimental to the Timberwolves. Gobert brings length to Minnesota’s frontcourt and size will definitely play a factor versus the Thunder on Friday.

More injury matters to address

Jaylen Nowell was also listed as questionable on the injury report with left knee tendinopathy. The shooting guard played against the Lakers and shot 4-7 from the field, so expect Nowell to be a factor.

This is the kind of mentality you want all of your players to have. As expected Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels are listed as out. But the Wolves have the arsenal to get the job done. No excuses this time of year, no one is 100 percent, but giving their all is what it takes to win an NBA Championship.

The Timberwolves made blockbuster moves last summer to improve their chance of competing for a championship. Rudy Gobert was supposed to be the missing piece and Kyle Anderson was a key role player. Now Minnesota is stuck squandering their hopes in a damaged season.

Will bygones be bygones? That’s the plan right now.

Now is the time for the Minnesota Timberwolves to show the world what they are made of after suffering through adversity all year. As they face their moment of triumph and defeat, who will show they deserve to be on this team next year? Or just call it a day and prepare to go fishing.

The fish ain’t biting, might as well win this one and advance to the NBA Playoffs.