Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Rockets

3. Lack of competent backcourt defenders sets Chris Paul loose

The fact that Harden could have such an off night (12 points on 2-of-18 shooting) and the Rockets still win by 20 is exactly why this series has never been likely to extend past five games.

No matter what percentage Harden shoots, he will always play the role of drawing Jimmy Butler — Minnesota’s one strong perimeter defender — when both are on the floor. He also draws Butler when he is off the floor, since Tom Thibodeau naturally matches Butler’s minutes with Harden’s.

This allowed Chris Paul to have absolutely everything he wanted in Game 2. Whether it was Jeff Teague botching a switch, Andrew Wiggins getting blown by or Derrick Rose getting lost in the pick-and-roll, Paul feasted on wide-open 3s and driving lanes all night. He finished with 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field along with eight assists and just one turnover.

In Game 1, Paul was off while Harden was on. Game 2 was the opposite. Unless the Wolves can get both guys to struggle on the same night, however, they will struggle to win a game.

Tyus Jones playing 29 minutes — after playing just seven in Game 1 — was a start. He was +1 despite only scoring two points on 1-of-5 shooting, and his heady, high-effort defense is the main reason why.

Those minutes came mostly in garbage time, though. More early Jones minutes should help Minnesota stay close, particularly if he replaces Rose or Jamal Crawford off the bench. Outside of that, the Wolves have to hope that Paul or Harden have an off night.