Takeaways from Timberwolves’ Defensive Collapse Against Knicks
The New York Knicks dominated inside, scoring 62 points in the paint and converting 31 second-chance points from 21 offensive rebounds. Minnesota, feeling confident after wins against Charlotte and Brooklyn, faced a harsh reality check in New York.
The Knicks overwhelmed the Timberwolves’ defense, securing a decisive 137-114 win at Madison Square Garden, overshadowing Anthony Edwards' return to Minnesota's lineup.
Anthony Edwards' Return and Performance
Edwards came back after missing four games due to a hamstring injury. Though initially expected to be sidelined for two weeks, Grade 1 hamstring strains usually heal within 7 to 10 days. Wednesday marked the tenth day since his injury.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said before the game that Edwards was “itching” to return to play.
Despite returning, Edwards struggled on the court, and Minnesota suffered a 25-point deficit during his 29 minutes. His effectiveness will be crucial for the Timberwolves to compete against strong teams.
Timberwolves' Struggles Against Strong Opponents
- Minnesota cruised past lower-tier teams like Charlotte and Brooklyn recently.
- However, they have struggled against competitive teams including Denver, the Lakers (twice), and the Knicks.
- The Timberwolves have managed wins over Charlotte, Brooklyn, and Indiana, all projected to rank near the NBA’s bottom standings.
These results highlight the gap between Minnesota’s performance against weak versus strong opponents.
Summary
The Timberwolves must improve both defensively and with key players like Edwards performing well if they want to contend with better NBA teams.