NBA Playoffs 2022 Round 1
Minnesota Timberwolves
THE last time the Minnesota Timberwolves won a playoff series, they beat the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference Semifinals. 14. years later, the Timberwolves find themselves back in the postseason, tied 2-2 with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Both teams have now lost on their home court. There are no guarantees about how this series could play out. Will the Timberwolves fall short of winning a playoff series for the second time since 2018?
OR will the Wolves capitalize on advancing to the postseason? Here are five keys to Minnesota’s success:
KEY 1 Defense
In both of the Minnesota victories over the Memphis Grizzlies, they were able to re-establish their identity on the defensive end, secure defensive boards, and slow down Ja Morant. In the Timberwolves' game one victory, They out rebound the Grizzlies 46-35. Ja Morant finished with 32 points but on 8/18 FG and was -16 while on the court.
In-game four, the Timberwolves got out rebound 39-34 but held Ja Morant to a postseason-low 11 points. The Wolves barely escaped with a win 119-118.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a defensive rating of 37% Karl-Anthony Towns will need to out rebound Memphis's overmatched defenders. Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell will need to contain the Grizzlies' backcourt with the help of Patrick Beverley and Jarred Vanderbilt, who are the two anchors on the defensive end of the court.
KEY 2 GET SHOTS UP Increase three-point production
The Timberwolves are at their best when they are successful from the three-point range. Minnesota has multiple players who can shoot from beyond the arch. (Edwards, Towns, Beverley, Russell, Prince, McDaniels, and McLaughlin)
Wolves game one (16-41 from 3PT)
Wolves game four (50% 18-36 from 3PT)
Memphis game one (7-27 from 3PT)
Memphis game four (15-32 from 3PT)
KEY 3 FINISH STRONG
In-game three, the Minnesota Timberwolves blew a 26-point lead and gave away game three to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wolves were outscored 50-16 in the final 15 minutes of the game.
4th Quarter
Memphis 37
Wolves 12
The Timberwolves made costly mistakes down the stretch and could never regain their composure. Minnesota is an experienced enough team that knows how to build leads. What the Wolves need is a CLOSER!
In game Four Karl Anthony Towns made key buckets to lead the Wolves to a win over the Grizzlies. 13 points in the fourth Quarter iced the game with two free throws and 4.4 seconds remaining. If he can stay aggressive, he has the advantage to finish for the Wolves!
KEY 4 The Trio TOWNS, EDWARDS AND RUSSELL
Anthony Edwards is making his first postseason debut. A highly athletic, skilled combo guard who, can shoot and score the basketball, a born leader on the court and definitely ahead of this time. Karl Anthony Towns and D'angelo Russell are not new to postseason. Towns still has the taste of 2018 playoff loss in his mouth. Towns has grown into an All-Star since then. He is, expected to carry a BIGGER load.
He is averaging 23.3 points and 2.8 assist vs. the Memphis Grizzlies this postseason.
Russell only played in one playoff series in his career when Brooklyn took on the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. Russell averaged 19.4 points, 3.6 assists and 3.6 rebound per game.
He is averaging 31.0 points and 6.8 assist vs. the Memphis Grizzlies this series.
KEY 5 Depth-Bench Play
The Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has reinforced the Wolves bench with multiple players who can come in and provide scoring and anchor the defense.
Game 1
The Wolves bench outscored the Grizzlies bench 43-32
Game 4
The Wolves bench got outscored by the Grizzlies bench 23-40
Minnesota barley won 119-118
If the Wolves can execute the game plan, they will win their first playoff series for the first time since 2004.