Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 Midseason Takeaways

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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 /

1. KAT will lead Minnesota back to the playoffs

Karl-Anthony Towns is a leader and sooner rather than later, he’ll lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to the playoffs. The 2015-16 Rookie of the Year is averaging 22.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 blocks per game in his second season.

The second-year big man ranks 18th overall in the league in points per game and eighth in rebounds per game. He’s registered 32 double-doubles and one triple-double through 43 games. KAT is third behind James Harden and Russell Westbrook in double-doubles. His shooting numbers are down this season as he’s shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and 31.6 percent from three, but his production is up.

Towns scored 37 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in the Timberwolves victory over the Clippers 104-101 on Jan. 19. It was the Timberwolves’ first road victory since Dec. 21.

KAT is also making his presence felt in the paint. When he records at least three blocks, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 5-2. Defensively, he’ll need to turn things up a notch. He’s currently the sixth ranked center in blocks (62) and 20th in steals (26).

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To get to the playoffs and beyond, KAT will need to elevate his game. Keep an eye on him as the season progresses. If the Timberwolves make a playoff push late in the season, credit KAT for doing his work on both ends.

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