The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a solid overall position with a 40-25 record; they're just half a game back from the No. 3 seed. Still, there are clear concerns with the team's ability to win at the highest level, given their erratic play.
Oftentimes, this results in lackluster defensive engagement. In the Wolves' past two blowout losses against the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic, though, their ball movement has dried up, and they're shooting poorly.
Without a doubt, there are some clear concerns to have about the Wolves' championship chances and habits. Despite their solid overall record, the year still feels disappointing, especially considering that the majority of Western Conference teams have dealt with more injuries than the Wolves.
All season long, it feels like the Wolves are hoping to "flip the switch" come playoff time, but doing so might prove to be easier said than done. In the end, this mindset could prove to be costly.
The Timberwolves are overreliant on their talent
After the Lakers' loss, Donte DiVincenzo discussed some of the Wolves' consistency problems and how reliant they are on their raw talent.
“The talent aspect is there. But I think sometimes you have to trust in that game plan that coaches put together,” DiVincenzo said. “We can’t just rely on talent. Some nights it’s going to work. This team that we have, everybody’s capable of a big night every single night, and we have to trust in what they put in front of us to go out and execute.”
Of course, the Timberwolves have made two straight conference finals appearances; thus, they have the experience and the talent to make another deep playoff run. Nevertheless, in the playoffs, you can't solely rely on raw talent and track record.
Game plan execution and playing as a cohesive unit become all the more important in a playoff setting. With seeding on the line and the importance of winning habits, the Wolves need to execute better.
The Timberwolves currently lack the habits of a championship team
The Wolves have shown they can do this in flashes this season, and the past two playoffs are certainly evidence of this. However, I'm a big believer that habits matter, and this season the Wolves' habits have been lackluster, which could cost them in the playoffs.
When looking at championship-winning teams, their defensive effort doesn't waiver so frequently. Plus, if they are having a cold shooting night, they get out of this rut with ball movement and playing together. Unfortunately, right now, the Wolves revert to more isolation ball when their offense goes cold.
Both of these problems are on Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to solve during these final 17 games. Winning every game is obviously an unrealistic standard, but the Wolves have to control the controllables and at least be competitive in each game.
Frankly, believing that you can just flip the switch and make another deep playoff run is arrogant. Despite the ups and downs the Timberwolves had last season, they played well down the stretch of the season, which in turn helped power a deep playoff run.
The Wolves must not allow this recent mini-skid to define them and build some momentum before the playoffs start. Otherwise, another deep run isn't in the cards, and a championship leap is completely out of the picture. Again, it's on the Timberwolves stars to "flip the switch" now and not wait until the playoffs.