Timberwolves Are A NIGHTMARE Matchup For The Thunder

Timberwolves Are A NIGHTMARE Matchup For The Thunder

This is crazy to say considering Steph Curry missed basically the whole series, but I was more impressed with Minnesota in the second round than OKC. I don’t know. I just can’t get over that weak zone Denver deployed and OKC struggled against it. It felt like at times the Nuggets strategy was actually just let them shoot wide open butt naked shots. We do not care because we know they will miss. They blew them out in game seven, but my goodness, it took them long enough. Denver was a pack of zombies on the court. Aaron Gordon’s hip was about to explode. Jokic was thinking about horses. Maybe I’m too harsh. But I think if OKC was what everyone hyped them up to be, that series would have been over in five games. Hence why I’m leaning towards Minnesota. Now, I have my worries though. First off, turnovers through the playoffs. 14.8 turnovers per game for Minnesota. Their passing and decision- making as a team can waver at times. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle have their work cut out for them in this area. Alex Caruso, Kase Wallace, Shay, and Jaylen Williams all averaging 1.5 steals or above during the postseason. On top of that, OKC doesn’t turn it over much. Hoop Goose had a great post. The first part I really agree with. He stated, “I feel like Minnie is really well suited to guard OKC and really poorly suited to score on them.” That being said, one of the main reasons I really believe in them is the Anthony Edwards factor. He’s been doing this thing that all the greats do. He just lets the game come to him in the first half. There has been times this postseason where you’re like, Aunt Edwards is playing bad. he needs to be more aggressive. He’ll have a very tough shooting half and you’re like, “Oh, he might not have it. It might not be his night.” Then all of a sudden, he hits one three-pointer. And from there, he just takes over the game. Whether it’s from a shot making perspective or creating wideopen looks for his teammates. His growth as a playmaker makes this team so dangerous. 5.9 assists per game so far in the playoffs. but more importantly a career low 2.3 turnovers per game. A career low for the playoffs for him throughout his career. Also, one thing Minnesota doesn’t get credit for the past two seasons is mentally they are not shook by the moment. They hit big shots to sustain runs. They hit dagger shots and when they have an opportunity to kill a team, they usually step up and I think they have the mental edge over OKC in that aspect. There’s something about Aunt Edward’s personality and confidence. I feel like it’s contagious. It makes his teammates confident in big moments. It’s something you can’t really describe, but if you’ve paid attention to Minnesota, you probably get what I’m saying. Also a big reason why OKC won verse Denver was the bench trio of Caruso, Kase Wallace and Aaron Wiggins were dominant. The thing is Minnesota has a chance to match their impact with Nas Reed, Nikquil Alexander Walker and Dante Devenenzo. The thing is those three were butt cheeks verse Golden State. Honestly Dante Devenenzo lowkey was still wearing a Warriors jersey. Nquille Alexander Walker and Nas Reed were nowhere to be found offensively. So my question is, do they step up or continue their struggles? Taking that bench advantage away from OKC could be huge because their starters have been underwhelming thus far in the playoffs. 134 minutes for them, just a plus 4.1 net rating and taking away that Memphis series negative 1.2 net rating verse Denver. Meanwhile, the starting lineup for Minnesota plus 19.6 net rating. And would you look at their second lineup with some bench additions plus 37.3 net rating. So, the first time this postseason, OKC’s opponent, Minnesota, has the capability to match the depth of their team. That’s where this series was lost by Denver. Also, I say this every Minnesota video, and here I am again. The huge advantage they have is their quote unquote small lineups are still massive. Minnesota can match the size and length of Cadet and Hardenstein with Goar and Randall. They also win the mass battle in that matchup. Then, if both teams go small, Reed and Randall are still massive human beings and they can survive versus small quick five out lineups. So rebounding wise, they can win that battle. That being said, OKC still is lethal in this regard, and they thrive on the offensive glass. They’ve been one of the best rebounding teams so far in the playoffs, so I wouldn’t count them out. That being said, I do expect Minnesota to dominate the glass in their victories. Lastly, as you could probably tell throughout this video, I just trust Minnesota’s offense more than OKC’s. The Thunder have Shay then a bunch of question marks in my opinion. Jaylen Williams has been really inconsistent with Minnesota. I know I got Anne Edwards and at this point I know I have Julius Randall. He has stepped up in a huge way. He’s been so consistent for them. Now I wouldn’t be shocked if OKC shuts Randall down at times, maybe for a game or two, but he’s playing with so much confidence. I think he’s going to be effective. He has muscle advantage and size advantage verse many of their players and he’s been cooking mismatches all postseason long. That’s what gets his game going. And then Jaden McDaniels, Nas Reed, both capable of big nights. Dante is due as well. OKC has the advantage defensively, but don’t get it twisted. Minnesota’s still an elite defense. And then offensively, I’m telling you, Minnesota’s got the edge. You heard it here first. Minnesota in six games. Comment your thoughts below immediately.

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