It’s been a tough stretch of games for the Minnesota Timberwolves this past week. The thing that will get overlooked is that Rudy Gobert was in and out of the lineup. It seems as though the Timberwolves can never catch a break regarding chemistry on the court. There have been so many lineup changes that it would be tough on any head coach. Coach Finch has done the best that he can do with this roster and it just comes down to executing the game plan.
The Phoenix Suns came out firing on all cylinders tonight and by the time the Timberwolves matched the energy they were down big. Mikal Bridges was able to set the tone for the Suns and he was trying to take the heart out of Minnesota quickly. Bridges was able to get in the passing lanes, dived for loose balls, and gave Coach Monty Williams that winning effort. Bridges isn’t one of those players that get plays drawn up for him he uses his defense and cutting to score which he did tonight. On the night Mikal Bridges finished with 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. When you have a player like Mikal that gives it 110% every night it can take something away from the opposing team.
Devin Booker on the other hand played lights out and finished with 32 points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds on the night. Booker was hitting his jumper from wherever he wanted as he was able to get to his sweet spot. The Timberwolves didn’t make it tough on him tonight and he was able to get others involved. If the Timberwolves could have slowed down his passing attack then it could have been different. Devin Booker showed tonight why he’s a tough guard in the league and that he can create points with or without the ball. So many people sleep on the raw talent that he has and it’s going to be scary because we’re just entering his prime. Booker made anyone that was defending work for everything and he challenged/answered it all tonight.
The Timberwolves bright spot tonight that they can really take anything away with was the fact Jaden McDaniels was able to find his stroke. Jaden was able to score inside and outside tonight as he attacked with complete confidence with no problem. His growth has been amazing to watch and he was able to make the best of Suns defenders guessing the wrong way he was going all night. Rudy Gobert came back into the lineup tonight and made it clear he was going to be the dominant big tonight. Rudy had 25 points and 11 rebounds as he was in beast mode tonight. Gobert was able to put the clamps on Ayton as he kept his production to a minimum. When Gobert can just erase a center like that it gives the Timberwolves a better chance at winning. The Timberwolves missed Gobert’s presence in the paint as he was able to alter some shots. Both Towns/Edwards finished with a combined 22 points and were struggling from the field. It’s not going to be perfect but Minnesota has been beating themselves this season. They have to cut down the turnovers and get back on the defensive end. If the Timberwolves can do that then this could be a great season with the ability to move far in the playoffs.
The Timberwolves will be in Memphis on Friday as they try to get back in the winning column.
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