Familiar problem keeps haunting the Timberwolves amid shaky start

The Minnesota Timberwolves' uneven start to the season hit a new low point on Monday night. After their second straight fourth quarter collapse, Minnesota lost 117-112 to the now 5-13 Sacramento Kings.

Last Friday night, the Wolves blew an eight-point lead against the Phoenix Suns in under a minute. Likewise, on Monday night, the Wolves blew a 10-point lead in the final three minutes, in a game they controlled all night.

With this loss, the Wolves are now 3-3 in clutch games and now post the 26th-ranked clutch time offense. The 15th clutch-time net rating isn't bad, but their wins have come against the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards.

Clutch time struggles are nothing new for the Wolves; last season, they ranked 23rd in clutch time net rating, and the year before, they ranked 27th. For a Wolves team that came into the season with championship aspirations, this is undoubtedly a major flaw that could hinder their season.

The Timberwolves' clutch time play is a massive problem

The Wolves' clutch time problems are multifaceted. A lack of playmaking and ability to control the ball are central to the Wolves' shortcomings, though.

Currently, the Wolves have an absurd 24.6 turnover percentage in clutch time; the Wizards' 19 TOV% is the next highest mark. This is also a 9.6 percent increase from the Wolves' overall turnover percentage. During Monday night's game, the Wolves had seven turnovers in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Chris Finch was switching between Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo to close out Monday's game. While Conley stabilizes the offense with his playmaking, his lack of shot creation and defense are key problems. And even with Conley on the court, the Wolves had some careless turnovers. The Wolves simply must make better decisions down the stretch.

Here are three of the most inexplicable turnovers from overtime of the Kings game.

Another key problem for me has been a stagnant offense, which has led to difficult shots. Late-game scenarios typically involve more isolation and stars creating for themselves. However, the Wolves' offense could benefit from more structure.

Anthony Edwards had a fantastic game, pouring in 43 points, including eight of the Wolves' 11 overtime points. Still, Edwards is overtaxed in the clutch, and he was blitzed on nearly every play on Monday. It doesn't mean the Wolves have to run a set play every time down the court, but a little variety would go a long way.

In fairness, Julius Randle struggled shooting 5-for-13 from the field; similarly, Jaden McDaniels shot 3-for-10 from the field on Monday. Regardless, as a whole, the Wolves haven't had much offensive creativity, and it has hurt them especially in the clutch.

Ultimately, the Wolves need to get better at closing out games, or else they are far from true title contenders. The onus is on both Finch and the players.