The Minnesota Timberwolves have unlocked a new play style this season. They are absolutely launching three-point shots whenever they get the chance, led by Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. So far, it’s been working. They are 3-0 on the year. But three-point shooting comes with serious variance.
When the shots are falling (especially on high volume), things are great. You can beat teams by 20 points on any given night. But as soon as the three-pointers stop falling, things get scary. You keep shooting, but the shots don’t fall, and then you’re in a rough spot. You need to have a backup plan for when the threes stop falling.
The Wolves’ backup plan is Edwards. He’s one of the best shot-creators in the game. A tough shot maker. A clutch shot maker. He’s the backup plan.
Anthony Edwards is the Timberwolves' backup plan for threes
Minnesota hasn’t even taken the most threes per game this season. That title belongs to the Portland Trail Blazers, who have attempted 47.5 threes per game in their two contests.
The Wolves are currently sitting at 39.3 threes attempted per contest, which ranks 10th in the NBA right now. However, Minnesota is shooting absolutely lights out from distance.
So far this year, they have made 16.7 threes per contest this year, which is the best mark in the league. They are also shooting a league-best 42.4% from beyond the three-point arc this year.
But again, what happens when the threes stop falling? What happens when the Wolves have a bad shooting night and have to find a different way to win outside of making threes?
That’s where Edwards comes into play. He’s one of the best players on the planet. When the Wolves need a big-time bucket, he is there to deliver one, no matter if it’s a three, a mid-range shot, or an attempt at the rim.
Obviously, the Wolves have Ball, too. He’s an incredible shot-creator who can be the Wolves’ secondary offensive option if Edwards doesn’t have it, but the point is, Minnesota has someone.
They have a backup plan. If the threes aren’t going in, the Wolves have Edwards to make something out of nothing. To create a shot and put some points on the board for the Wolves.
Threes come with variance. And if Minnesota keeps taking a lot of them, it will inevitably need to figure out a way to win when the threes don’t fall.
Edwards and his star power are exactly that.
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