Timberwolves Show Fight but Face Familiar Challenges as Chemistry Takes Center Stage

November 26, 2024

The Minnesota Timberwolves, sitting at 8-8 and searching for consistency, may have taken a small step forward during Sunday’s 107-105 loss to the Boston Celtics. But like much of their season, the progress was overshadowed by lingering questions about chemistry, effort, and defensive identity.

The Timberwolves were coming off a turbulent loss to the Toronto Raptors, one that revealed cracks in the foundation. Rudy Gobert’s late-game frustrations, leading to a three-second violation and a frustration foul, drew the ire of teammates, notably Anthony Edwards. Gobert and Julius Randle, new teammates trying to figure it out, had a tense moment that some feared might linger.

Instead, the Wolves used the Boston game as an opportunity to show they’ve moved on — or at least that they’re trying to.

Gobert’s Accountability and Struggles

Gobert’s post-Toronto comments were notable for their introspection. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year acknowledged he hasn’t been at his best, even admitting to moments where he’s let the team down.

That candor was followed by action in Boston, where Gobert grabbed 20 rebounds and helped anchor a defense that limited the Celtics to their lowest point total of the season, despite giving up 21 threes.

Yet, the defensive slippage has been undeniable this season. Last year’s league-best unit is now 14th, a fall that reflects not just Gobert’s inconsistencies but also systemic issues.

The Timberwolves have tinkered with coverages, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, to accommodate Randle’s tendencies. The adjustments remain a work in progress.

Randle: Offensive Fit, Defensive Question Mark

Randle’s offensive game has been a bright spot, with efficient scoring and flashes of chemistry with Gobert, including lob passes and kick-outs for open threes. But defensively, Randle has been a step slow, especially as a rebounder.

The Wolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks in part to bolster their defense, but Randle has yet to fill that void.

Edwards and Leadership Growth

Edwards, the team’s budding star, has been candid about the team’s effort issues. After the Boston game, he admitted the Wolves’ biggest problem isn’t talent — it’s consistent energy.

“We just don’t play hard,” Edwards told reporters. “We make mistakes, but the reason we were able to overcome those mistakes [against Boston] is because we played hard the entire game.”

Edwards himself hasn’t been immune to criticism. His stretches of inattentiveness on defense and sloppy turnovers have undermined the Wolves’ efforts at times.

At just 23 years old, Edwards is still learning how to balance his immense talent with the responsibility of setting the tone for his teammates.

Dillingham Brings a Spark

One bright spot has been rookie Rob Dillingham, who delivered 14 points in 15 minutes against the Celtics. The 19-year-old, filling in for the injured Mike Conley, brought a change of pace and creativity that helped spark the Wolves’ second-half rally.

“He gives us a change of speed,” head coach Chris Finch said. “He was instrumental in helping us get back into the game.”

Dillingham’s youthful energy and ingenuity could be a key ingredient for a Wolves team that sometimes struggles with stagnation.

The Road Ahead

The Wolves now head into a pivotal four-game homestand, with matchups against the Rockets, Kings, Clippers, and Lakers. By the end of the week, they’ll have hit the 20-game mark, a natural checkpoint for assessing team identity.

Finch remains optimistic, despite the challenges.

“I know the chemistry and makeup of our team,” he said. “We’re just kind of going through a tough patch. We’ve got to figure it out, but I thought we took a step forward [against Boston].”

The question is whether that step forward was a sign of things to come — or just another fleeting moment in a season filled with them. The talent is there. The chemistry and consistency? That’s still up in the air.