Despite playing in the league's most clutch time games (46), the Minnesota Timberwolves ranked just 24th in clutch win percentage last season. Additionally, they ranked 20th in clutch offense and 24th in clutch defense. Notably, this is a recurring problem as the Wolves ranked 22nd in clutch offense and 24th in clutch defense during the 2023-24 season. The Wolves must solve this problem to reach their title aspirations this upcoming season.
The Wolves will need a variety of changes to fix their clutch time problems
One key problem for the Wolves in clutch time is their over-reliance on Anthony Edwards. Undoubtedly, Edwards is an elite scorer, especially in clutch time play. Notably, Edwards led the NBA in total clutch time points last season. Of course, he will still be the Wolves' go-to option down the stretch; however, Minnesota needs to mix up its offensive attack. Solving this flaw will require a combination of schematic changes, Edwards adjusting his playstyle, and the Wolves' supporting cast stepping up.
Edwards had a staggering 38.8 usage rate in clutch time situations last season, and Naz Reid ranked second on the team with a 23.6 usage rate. Furthermore, Edwards shot 115 field goals in the clutch, and Jaden McDaniels was second on the team with 47. While he's a great player, only Edwards' extreme clutch time offense makes the Wolves predictable down the stretch of games. Edwards should lean on his teammates more often. This is connected to Edwards' development as a playmaker, as he notably had more turnovers than assists in the clutch last year.
Julius Randle was notably absent from the Wolves' clutch time offense, posting a 16.4 usage rate and just 30 total field goals in the 34 clutch games he played in. Getting Randle more involved in the Wolves' offense would benefit the team. They could look to utilize more of the Edwards-Randle two-man game. This will require both a stylistic change and more aggression from Randle. Whether it's Randle, Reid, or McDaniels, the Wolves need another source of consistent late-game offense.
Defensively, the Wolves must do a better job of containing 3-pointers and forcing turnovers. The Wolves ranked third in opponents' made 3-pointers and 13th in opponents' turnovers per game. However, these numbers plummeted to 21st in the clutch.
If the Wolves can fix these defensive issues in the clutch this year, expect their clutch time defense to rank far closer to their season average of sixth. Luckily, they have the personnel to fix this problem. Overall, the Wolves' shortcomings in clutch time on both ends of the floor were central to their disappointing regular season, and it's a problem that must be addressed this year.
The playoffs should be a blueprint for clutch time success
While there's reason for concern with the Wolves' clutch time problems from last season, the playoffs showed significant promise. Minnesota's 4-1 clutch time record was second in the playoffs. Moreover, they ranked first in clutch offensive rating (154.4) and defensive rating (97.1), translating to an absurd 54.2 net rating.
Now it's worth noting that four of these games came against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, who both lack frontcourt size. Regardless, this dominance should provide Wolves fans with some hope.
The Wolves' clutch time success in the playoffs was paired with reducing the burden on Edwards. Notably, he posted a 25 usage rate, which was actually slightly lower than Reid's. In addition to Reid being more involved, McDaniels also had a bigger role. These two players shot a combined 70 percent from the field in clutch time play.
Edwards also showed plenty of promise as a clutch time decision maker, not recording a single turnover. Ultimately, the Wolves' postseason success down the stretch of games showed how a more egalitarian clutch offense could benefit the team.