All season long, it appears that the Minnesota Timberwolves are allergic to consistency. Following up a five-game win streak with a three-game losing streak (with each loss being by double digits) feels pretty on brand for the Wolves.
The Wolves' offense largely plagued their first two losses against the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, but their defense was the whole story against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Minnesota allowed 153 points, and the Clippers posted a 147.6 offensive rating -- which ranks in the 100th percentile per Cleaning the Glass.
While the Timberwolves' offense drying up at points this season is a concern, the defensive lapses have been more common. The Wolves remain a top-10 defense and have plenty of talent, but they better start playing like it consistently before the playoffs roll around. Otherwise, Minnesota will be sent home early.
The Timberwolves' defensive problems
The problems regarding the Timberwolves' defense are multifaceted. Of course, the non-Rudy Gobert minutes have been problematic. Minnesota is 12.4 points per 100 possessions better with Gobert on the court, and the team looks lost without his rim protection. Even when Rudy is on the court, he can't make up for others' mistakes on every play.
There's also no sugarcoating how bad Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle have been on defense, especially off the ball. Ant and Randle are often caught ball watching; they don't rotate quickly or fight through screens. This lack of engagement from the Wolves' two best players is flat-out unacceptable.
The Timberwolves aren't winning anything in the playoffs with defense like this pic.twitter.com/PjYL3SbHjW
— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) March 12, 2026
All season long, it feels like they're waiting to flip the switch. That's a dangerous game, though, as if this poor effort continues, the Wolves could slip in the standings. Furthermore, the Wolves must build good defensive habits before the playoffs, and that's not something we've seen particularly from their best players.
Even though most of Ant's and Randle's problems are off the ball, it's worth wondering if they could get matchup hunted in the playoffs. This is especially the case for Randle against quick guards.
Chris Finch isn't blameless
I typically don't like to blame coaches. In reality, we don't know what goes on behind the scenes, and players have more influence on the team's success. However, I think there are some valid gripes to have with Chris Finch, and part of that has to do with the defensive end of the floor.
During Wednesday night's game against the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard had 45 points, and Finch didn't throw two defenders on him nearly enough. Sure, on occasional plays, he brought two, and when Kawhi drove, the defense collapsed. Nevertheless, his defensive schemes didn't make it difficult for Leonard on a play-by-play basis. This is a stark contrast to how we see teams guard Ant on the other end of the floor.
Finch can't let something like this happen again in the final stanza of the regular season, and it certainly can't happen in the playoffs.
The Timberwolves' defense could cost them in the playoffs
The Clippers game was a culmination of multiple issues that have been plaguing the Wolves all season.
For a Wolves team that has prided itself on defense since trading for Gobert, being so volatile on that end of the court is concerning. The idea that things will magically be solved once the playoffs start is foolish. The effort from the Wolves' stars must improve, as does Finch's game plan against opposing teams' best players. Minnesota needs to build some momentum and winning habits before the playoffs.
We've seen the Wolves display championship-level play in a few games this season. Nevertheless, their habits on both ends of the floor right now make a first round exit seem more likely than another deep playoff run.
With 16 games left, the Wolves need to be more consistent on both ends of the floor (especially defensively) and prove that they are ready for another deep playoff run.