Analysis
Both teams shot 23 free throws in Cleveland. The Cavaliers made 17, the Wolves made 14 and lost by two in overtime. Through four games, Minnesota is the worst free-throw shooting team in the league.
Analysis
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.
Analysis
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
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
The Raptors arrive Sunday after forcing 23 Washington turnovers. Minnesota should keep attacking, with an outlet close enough to punish the help.
Analysis
The referees explained why Ball's Miami stepback was illegal. Finch should demand cleaner footwork while keeping his point guard aggressive.
Analysis
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
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
Edwards hit nine threes in Minnesota's 131-106 win at Miami. Keep giving him those attempts, even when the percentage comes down.
Analysis
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
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
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
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
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.
Analysis
Minnesota is adding a $40 million season to McDaniels' deal. I like paying to keep the wing who can complement the stars, even with an offensive game that still has to hold up in May.
Analysis
Ball produced at a star's rate in Charlotte while averaging 28 minutes. I'd give him more time in Minnesota, but 32 minutes is a better starting target than chasing his per-36 line.
Analysis
The rookie hit five threes in the preseason finale, more points than his previous four games combined. Against that: 11-for-34 for the preseason, and a game with the starters in Detroit where he never got in.
