What worked for the Minnesota Timberwolves and what they need to do to win Game 5
Digest
Ben Beacon breaks down the Timberwolves' chances of forcing a game six against the Mavericks, highlighting key areas for improvement. He emphasizes the importance of Rudy Gobert's defensive presence, particularly in deterring paint attempts and limiting offensive rebounds. Beacon also stresses the need to contest corner threes, as Dallas has been shooting a high percentage from that area despite their overall low accuracy. He believes the Timberwolves need to continue their aggressive pick-and-roll defense against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, while also forcing them to make tough passes to less reliable shooters. Additionally, Beacon emphasizes the importance of Anthony Edwards's continued aggression in driving to the basket, as it opens up opportunities for the rest of the offense. He concludes by predicting a Timberwolves victory in game five, pushing the series to a game six in Dallas.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Lockdown Wolves podcast and its host, Ben Beacon. It also mentions the upcoming game five against the Dallas Mavericks and the possibility of Kevin Garnett attending the game.
Defensive Adjustments and Dallas Regression
This Chapter delves into the Timberwolves' defensive adjustments, particularly their increased aggression in pick-and-roll defense against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Beacon argues that the Wolves' defensive strategy is effective, despite the criticism it receives. He also discusses the potential for Dallas to regress in their corner three-point shooting, highlighting their low accuracy despite their high frequency of attempts.
Fanduel Sponsorship and Game Five Preview
This Chapter features a sponsorship message from Fanduel, highlighting their betting opportunities for the NBA playoffs. Beacon then previews game five, discussing the odds and the Timberwolves' chances of winning.
Analyzing Dallas's Corner Three-Point Shooting
This Chapter focuses on the performance of Dallas's role players, particularly PJ Washington and Derek Jones Jr., in terms of their corner three-point shooting. Beacon analyzes their shooting percentages in each game of the series and suggests that the Timberwolves should treat Cleba as a decoy until he proves he can consistently hit threes.
Rudy Gobert's Impact and Keys to Victory
This Chapter discusses Rudy Gobert's impact on the Timberwolves' defense, highlighting his positive net rating and his ability to deter rim attempts and offensive rebounds. Beacon also outlines his three keys to victory for the Timberwolves in game five: continuing their aggressive pick-and-roll defense, forcing contested corner threes, and maintaining their offensive aggression, particularly from Anthony Edwards.
Keywords
Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert is a French professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a seven-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert is known for his exceptional defensive abilities, particularly his rim protection and rebounding. He is also a skilled offensive player, known for his strong finishing around the basket and his ability to set screens for his teammates. Gobert's impact on the Timberwolves' defense is a major topic of discussion in this podcast episode.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a three-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team selection. Doncic is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, passing ability, and scoring prowess. He is a dominant force in the NBA and a key player for the Mavericks. Doncic's performance against the Timberwolves is a major focus of this podcast episode.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is an eight-time NBA All-Star and a two-time NBA champion. Irving is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and clutch play. He is a highly skilled and versatile player who can create his own shot and make plays for his teammates. Irving's performance against the Timberwolves is a major focus of this podcast episode.
Corner Three-Point Shooting
Corner three-point shooting is a specific type of three-point shot taken from the corners of the basketball court. It is often considered a high-percentage shot due to the shorter distance to the basket. In this podcast episode, the host discusses the importance of contesting corner threes and the potential for Dallas to regress in their corner three-point shooting accuracy.
Pick-and-Roll Defense
Pick-and-roll defense is a defensive strategy used to defend a pick-and-roll play, which involves a screen set by one player for another player. The defensive strategy involves various techniques, such as blitzing, dropping, and switching, to disrupt the pick-and-roll play. In this podcast episode, the host discusses the Timberwolves' increased aggression in pick-and-roll defense against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a two-time NBA All-Star and a former NBA Rookie of the Year. Edwards is known for his exceptional athleticism, scoring ability, and high-flying dunks. He is a key player for the Timberwolves and a rising star in the NBA. Edwards's performance against the Mavericks is a major focus of this podcast episode.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are an American professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference's Southwest Division. The Mavericks are known for their high-powered offense and their star players, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks are currently facing the Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference's Northwest Division. The Timberwolves are known for their young and talented roster, including Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. The Timberwolves are currently facing the Mavericks in the NBA playoffs.
Q&A
What are the key defensive adjustments the Timberwolves have made against the Mavericks?
The Timberwolves have become more aggressive in their pick-and-roll defense against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, often blitzing or showing more in the pick-and-roll. This strategy aims to disrupt their drives and force them to make tougher passes.
Why is Rudy Gobert's impact on defense so important for the Timberwolves?
Rudy Gobert's presence significantly impacts the Timberwolves' defense. He deters rim attempts, limits offensive rebounds, and provides a semblance of paint protection. His positive net rating highlights his crucial role in their success.
What is the significance of contesting corner threes against the Mavericks?
Dallas has been shooting a high percentage of corner threes despite their overall low accuracy. The Timberwolves need to contest these shots aggressively to prevent them from becoming a consistent scoring threat.
How does Anthony Edwards's aggression in driving to the basket benefit the Timberwolves' offense?
Anthony Edwards's drives to the basket open up opportunities for the rest of the offense. It forces the defense to collapse, creating open shots for teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Conley.
What are the Timberwolves' chances of winning game five and forcing a game six?
Ben Beacon believes the Timberwolves have a good chance of winning game five and pushing the series to a game six in Dallas. He highlights their recent defensive improvements and the potential for Dallas to regress in their corner three-point shooting.
Show Notes
The Minnesota Timberwolves tweaked their defense and saw a more aggressive Anthony Edwards on offense in Game 4. They'll need more of that (plus some Dallas regression) to win in Game 5. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the defensive adjustments made by Chris Finch and the Wolves in Game 4, as well as what worked offensively that the Timberwolves need to duplicate in Game 5 and beyond. Also, why the Mavs are due for a bit of regression.
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