The Minnesota Timberwolves were upset about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-baiting in their Game 1 loss to the Thunder, but it was a self-created problem. SGA shot 14 free throws, including some on missed calls. That is a ton, but Minnesota only had five fewer foul shots than OKC. That is a crazy stat considering the disparity in paint attacks.
The Thunder shot 60 percent of their attempts inside in Game 1 with Minnesota taking 61 percent of their shots from 3-point range. The Wolves were settling for jumpers and looking to shoot their way to a win. OKC had other ideas. They put their heads down and got to the rim.
The Timberwolves wasted a strong Julius Randle game with a nightmare performance from their bench. Minnesota must be significantly better on both ends in Game 2 or this series may be over.
Timberwolves must attack the paint and limit penetration
The Wolves took 51 3-point attempts on Tuesday night and made just 15. They were under 30 percent and had just four more makes, despite taking 30 more attempts. That is not a recipe to win. Minnesota needs Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to attack the paint more. They must get downhill, especially if the whistle remains easy to draw on Thursday night.
The Timberwolves must be better on defense too. Rudy Gobert is the anchor, but he was a non-factor in the series opener. SGA is an elite scorer and finisher, but Minnesota needs the four-time Defensive Player of the Year to wall up at the rim and make his attacks tough. Gobert played just 21 minutes in Game 1. That can’t happen moving forward.
The Wolves need Jaden McDaniels to defend without fouling. He was disqualified in 24 minutes and must slow down the Thunder’s perimeter penetration. Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will play key roles here too. They cannot let OKC consistently get into the paint and get off easy looks if they want to win this series.
Timberwolves fans should be frustrated after Game 1. The contest was on the plate before a second-half meltdown. It was frustrating watching Gilgeous-Alexander parade to the free-throw line, but Minnesota has itself to blame. More attacks would have led to more free throws for Edwards and the Wolves. They fell in love with shooting threes and paid the price.
The Minnesota Timberwolves must be better on both ends moving forward. They got a ton of open triples in Game 1 but did not knock them down. Their focus should shift to attacking the rim and keeping OKC out of the paint. Winning this series won’t be easy, and the Wolves cannot give away games. Let’s hope the adjustments come in Game 2.