Star of the Game
After an ugly loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Timberwolves bounce-back against the Cavaliers to win by five. While Cleveland is dealing with some injuries, Minnesota played a much more balanced game with six players scoring in double figures. Leading the pack was D’Angelo Russell with 25 points, three assists, a block and a steal. While Russell started the season in a shooting slump, his last three games post All-Star break have been tremendous as he emerges as Minnesota’s new floor general.
Biggest Concern
Anthony Edwards is showing improvement over his last two games, but he still is in a bit of a slump. With 17 points and shooting 1/5 from deep, Edwards is shooting way below his average. Injuries still remain a concern, but it is starting to look like the sophomore guard may not have the same post All-Star breakout that he had last year. With time, his form will improve, but while the Timberwolves are in a tight race to avoid the Play-In Tournament, that time may be running short.
Number of the Night
3. Even though other players made more of an impact, Jaden McDaniels deserves some recognition for his performance. He tied with Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards as the second-highest scorer with 17 points, and he shot 5/7 from beyond the arc. After an impressive performance in the Rising Stars Challenge, McDaniels seems to have found his confidence again. Even Coach Finch commented on it after the game, saying, “Everything was so sure.”
Next game
The Timberwolves will play the Warriors tonight at 7:00 CST.
