5 Advantages Timberwolves have over every other West team
By Tyler Watts
3. Size
The Timberwolves play two seven-footers over 33 minutes per game. Naz Reid is the team’s third center, and he is on the floor for over 22 minutes each night. Minnesota plans on playing with size, which is going against the trend of playoff teams downsizing.
Head coach Chris Finch increased the minutes of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert in the 2023 playoffs. They are going to play their twin towers and try to prove a franchise can still win with two star big men.
Minnesota should use its size to its advantage. They will keep their rim protector and defensive anchor on the floor no matter the matchup. That will give them a massive defensive edge in a series. The Timberwolves advantage on the glass and inside figures to be significant. Can they play to that strength and make the most of it?
Minnesota may be the only team with the answer to slowing down Nikola Jokic. They also have enough perimeter defense to curtail Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. if they match up with the Nuggets. Jaden McDaniel is 6’9 with length and versatility. The Wolves' size could be a game-changer and something they should use against their Western Conference foes.