It’s almost a punchline how easily the Minnesota Timberwolves can flip the switch when they want to.
From looking like an iso-heavy team in a deep hole at the beginning of the week to looking like the 2010s San Antonio Spurs moving the ball in the middle of the week, Wednesday night served as yet another reminder of how good this team can be when they decide that they want to be.
The intentional nature of playing with pace was apparent early on, as the Wolves hit the ground literally running with six
of their first 23 points coming in transition.
It also never hurts when a hyper-active Jaden McDaniels making an appearance. Perhaps envisioning his impending vacation with Naz Reid over the All-Star break, the all-defensive wing was all over the floor. From blocking the Portland Trail Blazers’ lone All- Star Deni Avdija on one end to dunking on him on another, McDaniels made his presence known.
McDaniels much encapsulates the last few days for the Timberwolves. With just four shots in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was easy to see the “barometer for ball movement” tag he had been given for a long time and is growing out of. In such and iso-heavy game that ended catastrophically, coach Chris Finch spoke regrettably afterward on needing to make it more intentional to give both McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo at least 10 shots each.
It certainly happened for the former on Wednesday. McDaniels activity paired well with his 15 first half points. He would go on to finish the game with 21 on an efficient 7-13 shooting.
A symptom of activity and pace, the Wolves finished the game with 25 transition points and more importantly, 39 points off of 25 forced Portland turnovers.
Up Next
The All-Star break awaits.
A much-needed eight day break awaits the Timberwolves, with many of them getting ready to leave town.
When it’s all said and done, however, the home stand continues against a red-hot Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on February 20.
Over his last five games, Flagg is averaging 28.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Playing with force, he poses a challenge to a Wolves team that can tend to struggle with those matchups.
Tipoff on February 20 is slated for 6:30 PM CST.
