After Anthony Edwards' injury, it was fair to wonder how the Minnesota Timberwolves would stay afloat. Not only have they stayed alive, but they've thrived in Edwards' absence, going 6-2, including an active five-game win streak.
Success like this without their best player highlights the Wolves' well-rounded roster and depth. Likewise, it underscores their championship-level upside. The best teams can sustain success without their star players and win games in multiple ways. Minnesota is proving that it can do exactly that.
The Timberwolves are showing that they're a complete team
In fairness, the Wolves' schedule without Ant hasn't exactly been murderer's row. Games against the Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks on this win streak could cause detractors to raise their eyebrows. However, they've also had quality wins against an elite Houston Rockets squad and a solid Dallas Mavericks team. The Rockets games showed they can win close, and the 39-point win over the Mavericks showed they can lay the hammer down.
Moreover, past Wolves teams have routinely struggled with lesser opponents even at full strength; this recent stretch is evidence that they've put this bad habit to rest. Frankly, if they beat five bad teams, I would understand why one would doubt that this stretch is a championship statement, but those quality wins count, especially without Ant.
Make no mistake: going 6-2 without a player of Edwards' caliber is a massive achievement. Of course, Edwards is one of the league's most gifted scorers, and he, in turn, is a security blanket for the Wolves' offense.
The Wolves have been flat-out dominant too. During their current five-game win streak, they have a stellar 16.5 net rating and lead the league in defensive rating, per Cleaning the Glass. Their defense has been stellar all season long, and it's a strength that could result in a championship run.
Edwards' absence has also highlighted their overall offensive talent. LaMelo Ball, after a couple of rocky games, has been fantastic. During Minnesota's win streak, he is averaging 24.4 points and 6.2 assists. Ayo Dosunmu has looked like a genuine All-Star, averaging 22 points. Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga have given the Wolves steady wing production. Bones Hyland has been an awesome spark off the bench.
Having this many scoring threats, along with arguably the best three-level scorer in the league, makes the Wolves' offense incredibly difficult for any team to defend against. And Ball's elite playmaking will make sure that everyone gets ample involvement.
The Wolves' ability to score in different ways further makes them a challenging matchup. LaMelo can make it rain from beyond the arc; Ayo excels at attacking the rim; McDaniels and Kuminga are best inside the arc, but can also knock down shots; and Ant gives you a little bit of everything.
As such, the Wolves have a ton of variety in their scoring attack from a personnel and stylistic standpoint. When looking at this roster, it's hard to pinpoint many flaws. I'd argue Rudy Gobert's offense is my only major concern for this team in the playoffs. That's something the Wolves can overcome, though.
Between their superb defense, star power, and well-rounded offense, the Wolves check a lot of boxes as a championship squad. The competition is stiff, but the Timberwolves can't be counted out of the title race, and their success without Edwards is evidence of this.
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