Coming into this game the Timberwolves are still without Karl-Anthony Towns as they hope to get him back in the near future. This was the first game after the All-Star break and the Timberwolves needed to hit the ground running. The Timberwolves team moves the way Anthony Edwards moves right now and they need him big time down the stretch.
It was a tough game to watch if you’re a Timberwolves fan as the Hornets came out and did whatever they wanted. LaMelo Ball got too comfortable in the 1st half as he could drive, score, dish, and basically have his hands on the ball at all times. LaMelo showed up big time for the Hornets as the team moved to the beat of his drum. Anytime LaMelo had the ball in his hands he made a positive play and the Timberwolves were a step behind whatever he was doing. LaMelo finished the game with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists on the night. The Timberwolves weren’t making it tough on LaMelo in this game as he was doing as he pleased in that 1st half. It wasn’t until the 3rd quarter when Anthony Edwards took the challenge personally and was like I got LaMelo whenever he got the ball that they made a serious push. It was a little too late as the Timberwolves started clamping down on LaMelo but his teammates were already comfortable too. PJ Washington was one of those players that picked up the offensive scoring when the Timberwolves started to take LaMelo out of the game. PJ finished the game with 20 points, and 8 rebounds on the night. PJ was in the right place at all times it seemed as he was able to get some easy fast-break dunks after steals. The other player that looked like the All-Star version of himself was Gordon Hayward. Tonight Hayward made some tough shots and could keep their foot on the gas when Minnesota took LaMelo off the ball. Hayward finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists as he was able to do it all tonight. The Hornets were scrapping all night and it came down to a couple of big 3-pointers by LaMelo Ball to seal the deal for them as they were able to sneak out with a win.
The Timberwolves pretty much gave this game away because they are known to lock up on the defensive end and that creates their offense. Tonight that didn’t happen until the 2nd half and it was one of the reasons they were playing catch-up throughout the game. Anthony Edwards was special all night long but you can tell he needed someone to help him out with the scoring especially when he went to get rest. It seemed like every time Edwards went to the bench Ball was still in the game or was getting subbed back into the game. Edwards was able to get any shot he wanted tonight inside or outside it didn’t matter but his 29 points weren’t enough in this game. One thing that I loved is the fact he took the defensive challenge with LaMelo personally and it showed he wants to be one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Edwards wants to win at all costs and I think a game like this will go a long way for the rest of the season. Naz Reid was the second-leading scorer tonight and came off the bench blazing as he finished with 16 points. When Naz has his game going there are very few bigs in the league that can keep up with him it’s just all about consistency in the rotation. Rudy was able to get a big double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds but they needed a little bit more. This Timberwolves team has what it takes to make a big splash in the western conference especially when they get Karl Anthony Towns back. Once KAT comes back and once Mike Conley settles into his role in the offense things will be looking up for the Timberwolves as fans shouldn’t panic.
Up next the Timberwolves head to Golden State as they will be playing against a Klay Thompson that is scorching hot coming off an 11 3-pointer performance. The Timberwolves will need to lock in early so things don’t get out of hand and they come out with a victory.
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