Offensive metrics show an overview of how teams are performing this season and it provides a glimpse into which teams are among the NBA’s most efficient offenses. The fourth quarter scoring metric calculates how much each team produces in the final period per game, and ranks them in order of highest totals. Analyzing teams by their fourth quarter scoring can offer a deeper insight into which teams are able to find success in crunch time and close out games on a consistent basis.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ inability to sustain leads and close out games has been a recurring problem this season, which is apparent in the latest offensive metrics. Crunch time has been a major concern for Minnesota all season long, ranking among the worst teams in fourth quarter scoring with just 26.6 points per game. It’s difficult to win close games when the offense tends to struggle down the stretch.
Even though the Timberwolves eventually escaped with a win, the inability to keep a double-figure lead was apparent on Christmas Day as the Dallas Mavericks stormed back from a 28-point deficit before Minnesota held on for a 105-99 victory. The Timberwolves’ offense has a tendency to become stagnant late in the fourth quarter, which has resulted in a 10-12 record in clutch games. If that issue isn’t fixed then it’s hard to imagine Minnesota will be able to reach its potential this year.
Where teams rank based on fourth quarter scoring
Fourth quarter scoring doesn’t always equate to winning games but each of the top-six teams in the metric are currently in line to make the playoffs. Some of the best teams in the NBA are among the league leaders in fourth quarter scoring including the Eastern Conference’s top seeded Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending champion Boston Celtics.
There are several outliers, like in most metrics, including the Milwaukee Bucks being the worst team in the league in fourth quarter scoring but still maintaining a 17-15 record, which is good enough for fifth place in the East standings. The Timberwolves find themselves near the bottom of the NBA in fourth quarter production as well and it’s a reason why the team has struggled to sustain sizable leads towards the end of games.
Note: Statistics are accurate as of 1/4/25
Ranking | Team | Fourth Quarter Points |
|---|---|---|
1. | Atlanta Hawks | 29.3 |
2. | Cleveland Cavaliers | 29.3 |
3. | Dallas Mavericks | 29.1 |
4. | Denver Nuggets | 28.9 |
5. | Memphis Grizzlies | 28.9 |
6. | Boston Celtics | 28.3 |
7. | Chicago Bulls | 28.2 |
8. | Utah Jazz | 28.1 |
9. | Portland Trail Blazers | 28.1 |
10. | Indiana Pacers | 27.9 |
11. | Golden State Warriors | 27.8 |
12. | Washington Wizards | 27.7 |
13. | San Antonio Spurs | 27.6 |
14. | Charlotte Hornets | 27.5 |
15. | New York Knicks | 27.4 |
16. | Los Angeles Lakers | 27.2 |
17. | Orlando Magic | 27.1 |
18. | Miami Heat | 27.1 |
19. | Toronto Raptors | 27.1 |
20. | Phoenix Suns | 27.1 |
21. | Sacramento Kings | 27.0 |
22. | Oklahoma City Thunder | 26.9 |
23. | Detroit Pistons | 26.8 |
24. | Los Angeles Clippers | 26.7 |
25. | Minnesota Timberwolves | 26.6 |
26. | New Orleans Pelicans | 26.6 |
27. | Houston Rockets | 26.4 |
28. | Philadelphia 76ers | 26.3 |
29. | Brooklyn Nets | 26.1 |
30. | Milwaukee Bucks | 25.5 |
Unexpected teams excelling in fourth quarter scoring
Several teams are performing unexpectedly in fourth quarter scoring but it hasn’t exactly translated to success in the win-loss column. The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers sit at the bottom of the West standings with a combined 18-47 record but both teams are among the top-10 in fourth quarter production.
It’s likely that the Jazz and Trail Blazers are scoring more in the fourth quarter because their opponents already have significant advantages, so it doesn’t seem like they will have a turnaround anytime soon.
How fourth quarter scoring reveals the Timberwolves' identity
Chris Finch’s team is also scoring 2.7 less points compared to last season. It may not seem like a massive difference but the Timberwolves are frequently in close games so a three-point differential has a major impact in coming away with a win or loss. Finding a consistent rhythm on the offensive end late in games will be essential to sustaining leads and securing wins as the season progresses. The Timberwolves need to tighten up their late-game execution or the recent trend could continue.
Minnesota currently ranks 10th in the NBA in largest average lead with 13.9 points per game but it hasn’t led to as many wins as you would think. The Timberwolves often lead by double figures but falter late in games and eventually fall short. In order to make up substantial ground in the Western Conference standings, Minnesota must find a way to avoid prolonged offensive dry spells. The Timberwolves will try to bounce back and fix the recent offensive woes against the LA Clippers on Monday night.