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Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 Midseason Takeaways

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Zach LaVine is becoming more than just a dunker

Third-year shooting guard Zach LaVine won the 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but much like those after him, he’s becoming a more well-rounded player. LaVine burst onto the scene last season, full of athleticism and acrobatic dunks. But this season, he’s showing he can do more than just dunk. He’s 19th in the league in fourth quarter points with 5.31 points per game.

LaVine is averaging a career-high 19.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for the Timberwolves so far this season. He is shooting 46.4 percent from the floor and 40.9 percent from three, both much improved from a season ago.

LaVine has scored 30 points or more in four games this season. He’s scored 30 points a total of two times in the previous two seasons. In the team’s 123-107 victory over the Orlando Magic, LaVine put up 37 points. He shot 14-for-22 from the floor and made 7-of-9 threes. He’s made at least one three-pointer in all but three games this season.

His confidence is certainly there. He’s playing 37.3 minutes per game and attempting almost 16 shots per contest. Along with that, he’s also made five or more three-pointers in eight games thid season. Look for LaVine to up his game as the Timberwolves look to make a playoff push.

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