The Timberwolves are starting to look like serious contenders in the West, winning 10 of their last 11 to move within a half-game of escaping the play-in tournament. Part of the success lies in a pair of new attitudes, from the fiery Patrick Beverley, who was acquired in an offseason trade, to the more relaxed Chris Finch, who is in his first full season as Minnesota’s head coach.
Beverley’s influence was evident in Saturday’s win over the Bucks, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. When Serge Ibaka and Taurean Prince had a brief scuffle early in the game, Beverley ran from across the court to shove Ibaka. George Hill shoved Beverley in return, and although they were both ejected, it set the tone for a Wolves team that refused to back down from the defending champions.
“I was telling (Jarred Vanderbilt) at the half, I was like, ‘That gave me a different kind of boost,’” Anthony Edwards said.
Finch, who was brought in as head coach 13 months ago, has adopted a philosophy he learned from Rick Adelman to avoid trying to control everything that happens. He ‘s being careful not to discourage a young team that’s learning how to assert itself.
“We have a lot of strong personalities, a lot of outgoing guys,” Finch said. “Just try to let them be themselves. They’re young. They’re excitable. They like each other. They root for each other. Don’t want to dampen their spirits too much.”
There’s more from Minnesota:
- Prince has been a steady contributor since the injury to Jaden McDaniels, Krawczynski adds. His willingness to accept a reduced role for much of the season is part of being a team leader. “Two or three years ago, I would’ve said I wanted to be there (with the starting lineup),” Prince said. “Now, I’m just trying to play basketball. There’s been days when I came off the bench and still played 25 or 30 minutes and days I’ve played 15. It’s part of being a pro.”
- Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t just putting up impressive stats, he’s making the difference between winning and losing for the first time since arriving in Minnesota, contends Chip Scoggins of The Star Tribune. “It feels like I’m playing the best basketball of my career and it’s leading to great wins,” Towns said. “The reason why I’m finding myself playing some of the best basketball of my career is because I have some of the best teammates I’ve ever had.”
- Towns, who was listed as questionable for the Milwaukee game with a right forearm contusion, didn’t think he would be able to play when he woke up Saturday, tweets Dane Moore. Towns said he got “chopped” in Monday’s game against the Spurs and has been dealing with pain in the arm all week.
Patrick Beverly is becoming one of the dirtiest players in the NBA. Push a player in the back? Hit Chris Paul because you are getting beat in the playoffs? Next up he will take out a players legs like Marcus did.
yep and as a TW fan it’s a breath of fresh air! Keep it up fella’s….breaking these teams down.
Wow being proud of a player pushes another player in the back and then runs down the court.
You didn’t see the game, right? There is a difference between having your guy’s back and being dirty. This was an example of the former. He’s scrappy. But this is who he’s always been. He’s helped this team immensely. The ultimate “hate him if he’s on the other team, love him on yours” guy.
The push in the back was immature. Focus on the game and let the Refs decide. Both players were pushing and shoving. Patrick needs to control his anger issues better. What that can do is motivate the other team to focus more which doesn’t help your team.
I think there is a softer side to him we just don’t see.
Wow, pushed during a scuffle. What a nasty guy! /s
that type of behavior was expected when he was signed very happy it is rubbing off on the other fellas. the old school type of rivalry/hatred towards other teams. The stars on each squad talkin smack and getting heated every once in a while must come back for the average fan of the league to be interested. I think most would welcome that type of vibe IMO
Becoming one of the dirtiest? He’s been right up there with Grayson Allen for a few years now.
Marcus did not take out the leg. You must have been a bench warmer if you even played.!”
Arch you never played that game at a high level.
He did vs Westbrook in playoffs
Patrick Beverley has been amazing this year for them. I expected Prince to have a slightly bigger role than he has had (part of that is Vanderbilt getting more minutes and being so good), but he has been a big addition for them at the 4/3 as well. On paper, this team feels like it’s missing a couple of pieces, but they’ve been able to play those multiguard lineups all season, and they’ve been especially really good since the first week of January
KAT is having a great season as always… but, I would say he isn’t playing at his usual level, he is a bit down this year, not quite at the level we are accustomed to see him, but as I said still great!
Bev, does one thing a game that should draw fines or ejections. He makes Grayson Allen look like a choir boy. D-bag is an apt description of his attitude and play.