Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix suns
Date: November 17, 2024
Time: 2:30 PM CST
Location: Target center
Television coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio coverage: Wolves app/iHeart Radio

Well, Wolves fans, let’s all take a deep breath. That three-game losing streak? Finally over. Minnesota clawed its way back into the win column with an overtime thriller against the Sacramento Kings in the group round of the NBA Cup. Yes, it was nerve-wracking. Yes, it was almost a disaster. But hey, a win is a win, and this one keeps the Wolves alive in the cup chase.

For three quarters, this looked like the Timberwolves team we all hoped to see consistently. Anthony Edwards was unconscious from beyond the arc, Naz Reid was doing Naz Reid things: hustling, scoring and everyone wondering how this guy didn’t start somewhere. Julius Randle? Bulldozes his way to buckets and free throws. Rudy Gobert looked rejuvenated on defense, and even Mike Conley turned back the clock with some clutch threes.

Then came the fourth quarter and everything fell apart.

If you’re a long-time Wolves fan, you know this story. It’s like rewatching an old horror movie: you know the scares are coming, but you still cringe. A 20-point lead evaporated faster than De’Aaron Fox could muster his crazy Performance of 60 points. Suddenly we were back to the bad old days when Minnesota would build a comfortable lead, only to see it crumble into dust.

Live by the three, die by the three

Let’s address the elephant in the room: this team is way too dependent on three-point shooting. When the shots are fired, it’s beautiful. When aren’t they? Well, we get nights like that. And while Edwards and Randle have the offensive firepower to attack the rim and create high percentage looks, the Wolves continue to throw from deep as if it’s the only item in the playbook. That’s a Chris Finch thing has to repair.

De’Aaron Fox, meanwhile, reminded everyone why he is one of the most exciting guards in the league. The Wolves couldn’t stop him – pull-up jumpers, drives to the rim, you name it. Without a superhero overtime performance from Edwards, we’d be staring at a four-game skid and a lot of existential questions about the direction of this team.

Next stop: Phoenix Suns

With Sacramento in the rearview mirror, the Wolves head home for a showdown against the Phoenix Suns. On paper, this should be a favorable match. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are out, and Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic are listed as game decisions. That leaves Devin Booker as the only member of Phoenix’s Big Three in the lineup.

But let’s put on the brakes when things are looking up. We don’t have to look far back to find examples of Wolves squandering golden opportunities. Do you remember Miami? I missed Jimmy Butler and still managed to get a win at Target Center. Or Portland? A team that had destroyed Minnesota days earlier turned around and handed them a pair of embarrassing losses.

This game against Phoenix has “trap” written all over it. The Suns dropped four straight games in their first-round playoff loss that the Wolves handed them last year. You think Booker doesn’t have this one circled on his calendar? You think Phoenix isn’t out for revenge? If Minnesota doesn’t stay locked down, this could get ugly quickly.

Keys to the game

1. Clamp on Booker: If Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can frustrate Booker, the Suns don’t have the firepower to keep pace. Control him and you’ve solved most of your problems.
2. Don’t live (or die) by the three: If the threes don’t fall, adjust. Go to the edge. Let Randle and Gobert do their work on the back burner. The Wolves have the size to overwhelm Phoenix in the paint, just like they did in the playoffs.
3. Sofa production: This team has one of the deepest benches in the league, but they have to show up. Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo should bring the energy and knock down shots when the starters sit.

A chance to check

This is more than just a game. The Wolves need to prove that they are not the inconsistent rollercoaster team we have seen too often this season. It’s time to win back the Target Center crowd and show that this team is ready to compete, not just for the NBA Cup, but for a legitimate playoff run.

We saw flashes of brilliance in Sacramento. Now let’s see if they can keep it up. If the Wolves play like they did in the first three quarters – and in overtime – this is a golden opportunity to continue climbing the standings and building momentum. If not? Well, let’s not even go there.

So, Wolves fans, buckle up. This game is about pride, redemption and proving that this team has what it takes to be more than just a standout. Let’s see if they appear.