Timberwolves Overcome Slow Start to Down Warriors

(by Jonathan Lewis MN Sports Unlimited contributor)

The Minnesota Timberwolves improved to 2-0 with a win over Golden State in their second preseason game by a score of 111-97. The Timberwolves were down by 12 after the first quarter, but from that point on did some impressive things against the defending NBA Champions. With just one more preseason game before the start of the regular season on the 18^th, many regulars got extended playing time. Here is what went right and what went wrong.

What Went Right:

The Timberwolves were very efficient from beyond the arc, going 12-26 from 3 point range and considering that was the biggest question mark heading into the season it was a welcome sight. Taj Gibson somehow added range from the corner and through 2 preseason games looks like he feels right at home with the Timberwolves in the starting lineup. Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler both proved they can coexist with efficient shooting performances next to KAT, this starting lineup has the potential to be tremendous. The bench also was involved throughout the game. After playing sparingly in game 1, Tyus Jones responded with 10 points, and was joined in double figures by Bjelica and Muhammad off the bench. If the bench can add pop then this team will be able to make a deep run through the Western Conference.

What Went Wrong:

Will the real Jamal Crawford please stand up? Crawford has not shot the ball particularly well through his first 2 games in a Timberwolves uniform. One starts to wonder if the decline we saw from him in the second half of last year with the Clippers was more of a sign of things to come, but there is certainly time for Crawford to find his rhythm from deep. The Timberwolves transition defense was atrocious against the Warriors and that will be something they need to fix early on to prevent the sort of deficit they faced at the end of the first quarter.

What is Next:

The Timberwolves will play Golden State once again for their preseason finale on Sunday. With this being the final preseason game already look for the starters and main bench contributors to get major minutes, with their next game not being until the 15^th. Regardless this Wolves team has started to put the pieces together so far this preseason. If they can stay healthy we may finally see a team in Minnesota be able to cash in on such a promising roster.