For the second time in three seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves are finding it difficult to build chemistry after a major offseason trade, writes NBA insider Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Despite flashes of potential, the Wolves have struggled to consistently perform as a unit, grappling with defensive lapses, stagnant ball movement, and statistical regression from key players.
- Julius Randle acknowledged the difficulties, noting the need to win games while the team continues to figure things out. “We show phases of being able to do that,” he said.
- Guard Donte DiVincenzo has had a rough start in Minnesota following a career year with the Knicks last season. However, DiVincenzo has started to find his rhythm, averaging 15.5 points and shooting 43.7% from deep over his last 15 games. Unfortunately, he’s now sidelined with a toe injury.
- Despite individual improvements, the Timberwolves remain inconsistent, posting a 5-5 record in their last 10 games and 8-8 in their last 16. They recently secured a 17-point win over the Knicks but continue to struggle with overall cohesion.
- Rookie guard Rob Dillingham made his return on Friday after missing several weeks due to an ankle injury. In the win over New York, he played over 13 minutes, scoring nine points and adding three assists. Teammate Anthony Edwards praised Dillingham’s potential: “He fire. Everybody knows it. The world know it. It just takes time,” Edwards said, per Chris Hine of the StarTribune.
Northwest Updates
- Troy Renck of The Denver Post argues that the Denver Nuggets’ fortunes depend heavily on Jamal Murray’s continued high-level performances. Murray has been on a tear, including a 45-point game in a win over Dallas and a 30-point performance against Miami.
- As the Nuggets go 9-4 in their last 13 games, much of their success has come with Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup, replacing Aaron Gordon, who has been sidelined due to injury and a minutes restriction. Westbrook has averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.2 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field and 38.3% from deep.
- However, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post questions what will happen when Gordon returns to full health — will Westbrook remain a starter, and if so, who will he replace?
- In the Trail Blazers’ loss to the Clippers, Anfernee Simons went scoreless for the first time since 2021, adding to concerns about his efficiency this season. Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian points out that while Simons is averaging 18.2 points per game, his efficiency has taken a dip, with his scoring down from each of the previous two seasons.
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