Before the 2025-26 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves discussed how they were going to improve their transition play and overall pace. Whether this was from Chris Finch or the players, it was clear the Wolves were focused on improving in these areas. And 16 games into the season, these improvements are noticeable!
The Wolves have increased their transition frequency from 30th to 14th. Likewise, they have improved their transition points per game from 29th-ranked in the league to 12th. Furthermore, per Cleaning the Glass, their overall transition offense has improved from the 19th to the ninth-ranked. In terms of pace, they have shot up from 25th to 14th.
These improvements are significant and have led to the Wolves having the sixth-best offense in the league.
The Timberwolves new fast paced style benefits everyone
It was always clear that playing faster and improving in transition would help this team, most notably Anthony Edwards. We are finally seeing just how helpful it can be this year. Yes, the Wolves are 0-6 against teams with a winning record, and you might be disappointed with their overall 10-6 record. However, there's a lot to like with this team, and their improved pace/transition play is certainly a huge positive.
With the Wolves forcing more turnovers, there are also more transition opportunities.
Playing faster inherently helps Edwards, given his elite athleticism. Additionally, getting out in transition more helps the Wolves navigate playing without a traditional point guard. Julius Randle has shot up from the 47th percentile to the 73rd percentile in points per transition possession.
Jaden McDaniels has long excelled in transition; his 4.8 transition points rank second just behind Edwards on the Wolves. It's no surprise that McDaniels' breakout season has been paired with the Wolves' playing at a faster pace.
Rudy Gobert is one player who you might not expect to thrive in transition, but he does. Impressively, the Stifle Tower ranks in the 96th percentile for points for transition possession. Running in transition opens up opportunities for some easy shots for Rudy around the rim.
In short, this new style of play benefits nearly everyone on the roster. Due to some of their personnel ranking in the top five in pace or transition was never a realistic goal, and that's fine.
However, not being one of the slowest and worst transition teams was a realistic goal that the team has so far delivered on. Being able to play fast (and slow it down if need be) will benefit the Wolves come playoff time.