The Minnesota Timberwolves shook things up in a big way when they traded Karl-Anthony Towns just before the start of training camp. Coming off of their first Western Conference Finals appearance in over 20 years, the move was met with mixed reviews and the Wolves have had an up and down season.
Minnesota is now 43-32 and are half a game out of the sixth spot in the West and not having to go through the play-in. It feels like they have had three different seasons rolled into one, but they have been playing their best basketball lately.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are hitting their stride at the right time
Only four teams are in the top ten in offensive and defensive rating this season: Cleveland, Boston, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota. In the month of March, the Wolves are 11-3 with the third best net rating in the NBA at +11.8.
Anthony Edwards has obviously been playing at an All-NBA level and has been a huge reason for keeping the Wolves afloat and playing their best basketball of the season. His three-point shooting and playmaking have greatly improved and it has helped the team as a whole. The talent around him though has always been the question for this season, but his supporting cast has been on fire this month.
Julius Randle has played his most efficient month of basketball this season, averaging about 19 points per game, six rebounds, and five assists on 53/36/81 shooting splits. Donte DiVencenzo, who had a rough two months to start the season, is shooting 45 percent from three on seven attempts while averaging 14 PPG.
The Wolves are on the right path to return to the West Finals
Jaden McDaniels has finally found his offense and is having a career-best year on that end of the floor. McDaniels is knocking down 45 percent of his threes in March and shooting 55 percent from the field.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been an elite defensive piece for Minnesota and a huge reason why they are top ten in defensive rating. Even rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. have provided a spark and give the Wolves even more depth.
The West is wide open as we head towards the playoffs and outside of Oklahoma City, there are no strong bets to make the Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves are playing their best basketball of the season ahead of the most important time of the year and for the playoffs, it is all about who can get hot in a series. They have all the tools to do so and Minnesota will be a tough out in any series.