Timberwolves' ideal blueprint to success is becoming undeniable

Like many teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves are at their best when everyone on the team is involved in the offense. Sunday's 117-108 win over the Denver Nuggets was another example of this. Anthony Edwards' 21 points were a team-high; four players notched 15-plus points, and the Wolves got 38 points from their bench. This isn't new; four Timberwolves players average 15-plus points in wins, while just two players average above this threshold in losses.

The ball movement was stellar, leading to open shots at the rim and beyond the arc. Plus, they controlled the pace of the game by getting out in transition. Simply put, it was a well-rounded team effort, and everything was working for the Wolves.

When they're playing like this, the Wolves are a really tough team to beat, and this style of play could lead to another deep playoff run.  

The Wolves will need to balance out the scoring load to reach their ceiling

To me, balance is the key for the Timberwolves to win at the highest level. A massive factor in the Wolves' success is their two-way balance; being a top 10 team on both sides of the ball is a historical indicator that Minnesota is a true contender. Beyond this, though, balance relates to scoring balance. 

Listen, teams are always going to be focused on containing Edwards. However, doing so is a lot harder when you have to account for everyone else. In the Wolves' wins, Ant averages 27.4 points, but in the losses, he averages 32.8 points. 

Of course, having a scorer this dynamic is a massive advantage, and it's helped the Wolves stay afloat in numerous games. Nevertheless, the Wolves are far more dangerous when they get production out of their complementary players, not just an absurd scoring night from Ant. 

Whether it's Jaden McDaniels' three-level scoring abilities, Donte DiVincenzo's sharpshooting, or Naz Reid's microwave scoring abilities, the Wolves have a plethora of complementary scoring options. Having to account for these skilled scorers, along with Edwards, is a headache for opposing teams.

Against the Nuggets, I thought Edwards' playmaking was sharper than in most games this season. He handled double teams well and made it a clear focus to get his teammates involved in the game. Given how talented a scorer Ant is, his gravity naturally creates open shots for his teammates.

Edwards' six assists are tied for the second most he's had all season. In the playoffs, Ant needs to be comfortable playing more of a facilitator role as opposing teams focus on taking away his scoring. His teammates knocking down shots is a key factor, of course. Regardless, Ant's ability to create shots for his teammates is a game-changing element for the Wolves' offense. 

As we inch closer to the playoffs, ball movement and scoring balance will be key benchmarks for the Wolves to reach their championship aspirations.