Minnesota Timberwolves
The 2021-22 Minnesota Timberwolves can be defined by a 7th-place finish in the Western Conference, beating the Clippers at home in the first play-in game, and then losing to the Grizzlies in the first round, blowing all those big leads.
What did we learn?
Ant-Man is the real deal, KAT started to put it together, and Pat Bev transformed this defense.
In just his second year in the league, Anthony Edwards was brimming with confidence this season. Saying that he is the toughest player in the league to guard and that he feels like Black Jesus, Ant-Man is clearly on another level in terms of charisma and moxie. He always plays with a strong emotional intensity and aggressiveness. Ant-Man hit ten 3s in one game. He became the youngest player in NBA history to make 200 3s in a season.
Anthony Edwards was so good this season that we couldn’t help but wonder if Ant-Man is NEXT? A generational talent ready to take over as one of the game’s premier dudes for many years to come.
It took him a while to get there, but Karl-Anthony Towns started putting together the complete package this season. KAT’s notorious inconsistencies were a lot less vexing. There were still some games where he would completely dominate the first half but would disappear in the second, yes, but this issue improved as Chris Finch honed in on the team’s structure. It can take young teams a while to find their way.
Per usual, Towns shot the hell out of the ball, 41 percent from 3 on 4.9 attempts per game, his fourth season in the last five years over 40 percent from 3. The self-proclaimed best-shooting big man of all time (sorry KAT, but we are still riding with Dirk for now), KAT won the 3-point contest and made sure we all remembered, hitting the game-winning 3 against the Cavs in Cleveland a week later on the same court where he was crowned 3-point champ.
KAT’s 60-point virtuoso performance against the Spurs unlocked something (everything?) inside him. That game did wonders for his confidence and made him so damn happy. And so did staying healthy and on the court this season, playing in 74 games, his most since 2018-19.
KAT (24.6) and Ant-Man (21.3) averaged over 45 points between just the two of them. Add in D-Lo’s 18.1 and that’s 64 points a night. Of all 3-man lineups in the NBA that logged at least 1,100 minutes together, this Wolves trio finished top-10 in net rating, outscoring opponents by 7.4 points per 100 possessions.
D'Angelo Russell had some really good moments and hit some clutch shots, but he also had some questionable decision-making and was even benched in the playoffs. D-Lo probably took too many shots in general at 15 per game. Sometimes he prefers to jack up bombs instead of feeding KAT or Ant. Going forward, less shot attempts and even more assists would be great, but he did average a career-high 7.1 dimes.
Patrick Beverley’s arrival in Minnesota instantly instilled a defensive and gritty mindset that ignited this team. The brash irritant and instigator that he is, the impact that Pat Bev’s enforcer persona had on the culture of this team cannot be overstated.
Minnesota’s defense was soo much better than everyone thought, finishing the season 13th in defensive efficiency after being 28th the season prior. The Wolves maintained an aggressive style of D that Finch implemented, maximizing their speed and athleticism, forcing the most opponent turnovers per game in the NBA. And the T-Wolves offense was even more explosive than advertised, #7 for the season, and the #1 offense in the NBA from Jan. 1 to the end of the regular season.
The play-in victory over the Clippers was a grand celebration for Minnesota. They were mocked for it, but it was the best T-Wolves moment since 2004. To that we say: Let them have their fun! That’s what this is all about.
In the first round, the T-Wolves gave the Grizz a good run for their money, and man, they had those big leads that just kept slipping away. Three losses when they had double-digit leads in the fourth quarter is a glaring sign of an inexperienced and young playoff team.
But the T-Wolves arrived, and while they can look back and think they were actually the better team in that Grizzlies series (and there is certainly an argument to be had), they should focus on moving forward and knowing that you have to close out games.
You have got to get your playoff scars and experience.
The Wolves have started down that path, howling into the night.
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Additional Notes
Jarred Vanderbilt started generating some buzz for his high-energy and hustle on a nightly basis. Vanderbilt is one of these dudes who not only thrives on defense but relishes it. Of all Minnesota’s main rotation players, Vanderbilt had by far the best offensive/defensive rating combo at 127/108.
Never forget Jaden McDaniels incredible Game 6 against the Grizzlies, scoring a career-high 24 points on 5-of-6 3-point shooting.
Malik Beasley had some games where he seriously caught fire, 10 games of hitting six or more 3s. However, the Wolves record in those 10 games was just 3-7.
During the protocol-laden days of December, Jaylen Nowell took advantage of the opportunity he was given. Nowell had a big-time power dunk on Jabari Parker of the Boston Celtics. (The protocol-laden days of December were a time.)
We did not get to see too much of Leandro Bolmaro this season. The Argentinian taken with the 20th pick in the 2020 draft played in 35 games and averaged just 6.9 minutes.
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Did our preseason Over/Under prediction hit?
We trust Finchie to get these pups howling into the night. Over 35.5 wins.
T-Wolves 2021-22 record: (46-36)
Yes! The Wolves got their 36th win on March 5th.
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What’s Next?
The #19 pick in the draft. KOC has recommended Blake Wesley or TyTy Washington to be D’Angelo Russell’s possible successor. D-Lo will be a free agent after next season and is apparently being shopped around [eyeball emoji].
Calling the shots is brand-new and PAID president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, formerly of the Denver Nuggets. Connelly’s track record is elegant. The Wolves are in good hands.
Adding some two-way talent fits the bill.
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Favorite T-Wolves Highlights of the 2021-22 Season:
The new franchise record. KAT gave Zach Collins THE BUSINESS.
Ant-Man hit his 10th 3-pointer of the game from the logo and flashed that classic Ant smile
The best T-Wolves moment since making it to the Western Conference Finals in 2004.
