Analysis
Timberwolves need LaMelo Ball to pull the Spurs away from the rim
San Antonio has allowed 49.7% shooting on twos and 39.4% on threes. Minnesota should use Ball to create perimeter chances before challenging Wembanyama inside.
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Timberwolves should make James Harden defend in Cleveland
I'd use Harden's assignment as a screener and make Cleveland choose its help. His cold shooting is no reason to give him an easy night at the other end.
Analysis
Chris Finch must keep the Wolves' practice edge in his rotation
Finch welcomed the intensity of Minnesota's September workouts. That standard should reward useful bench minutes and survive a young player's mistakes.
Analysis
Timberwolves' home opener streak should set a higher standard
Minnesota has won 10 straight home openers. I want that reliability to last beyond Sunday, after a 26-15 home record last season.
Analysis
Trey Lyles should keep firing threes in the Timberwolves' bench role
Five three-point attempts in Orlando offered the right blueprint. Minnesota needs Lyles willing to shoot alongside its centers, with rebounding keeping those minutes worthwhile.
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Timberwolves' defense has a two-point warning beneath the wins
Orlando made 29 of 45 shots inside the arc. I'd demand better containment before treating Minnesota's 93 points allowed as proof the defense is settled.
Analysis
Timberwolves' rebounding gives Anthony Edwards room for an off night
Minnesota beat Orlando 115-93 with Edwards shooting 5-for-23. The shared work on the glass is the part of this win worth demanding again.
Analysis
Timberwolves need LaMelo Ball's short passes against Toronto
The Raptors arrive Sunday after forcing 23 Washington turnovers. Minnesota should keep attacking, with an outlet close enough to punish the help.
Analysis
LaMelo Ball's travel needs a fix, not a smaller Wolves role
The referees explained why Ball's Miami stepback was illegal. Finch should demand cleaner footwork while keeping his point guard aggressive.
Analysis
Timberwolves should keep hunting shooters after Dalton Knecht miss
Knecht agreed to a two-way deal with the Knicks after drawing Minnesota's interest. His uneven Lakers record is a reason to keep looking for shooting, without promising the next prospect rotation minutes.
Analysis
Timberwolves must make Paolo Banchero earn points off the line
Orlando took 39 free throws in its opener. Minnesota's next defensive test is keeping Banchero off the stripe without giving away the paint.
Analysis
Anthony Edwards' 45-point opener is a case for more threes
Edwards hit nine threes in Minnesota's 131-106 win at Miami. Keep giving him those attempts, even when the percentage comes down.
Analysis
Ayo Dosunmu's offensive rebounds should change the Wolves' plan
Dosunmu grabbed three of Minnesota's 17 offensive boards in Miami. I'd give him permission to keep chasing misses, with clear rules for who gets back.
Analysis
Jonathan Kuminga's four steals show the role the Wolves need
Kuminga took 10 shots in the opener and still supplied four steals and three assists. Minnesota should build his job around helping its stars, with a bigger demand on the glass.
Analysis
Donte DiVincenzo's Achilles return is a February question, not October
DiVincenzo is out for opening night in Miami with no return date. Jayson Tatum came back 298 days after his Achilles tear; apply that to April 25 and you get mid-February. The Wolves have to plan the first two-thirds of the regular season without his shooting.
Analysis
Terrence Shannon Jr. should be the Wolves’ first wing off the bench
Jaylen Clark has the defensive reputation. Shannon has the shooting that Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball need around them, and the shooting numbers from last season favor him for the minutes.
Analysis
Timberwolves should trust Rudy Gobert before doubling Giannis
Miami's opener gives Minnesota a choice: send extra help at Antetokounmpo immediately, or make him beat a set defense first. I'd start by trusting the size the Wolves already have.
