While the Timberwolves performance against likely playoff teams has frustrated the fan base this season, Minnesota’s ability to dispose of cellar dwellers has been impressive.
Two days after a disappointing loss to Denver, the Wolves blew out a short-handed Dallas team, 120-96 at Target Center.
The Mavericks, who were on the second half of a back to back, were down five rotation players. The Wolves showed them no mercy.
Not only has Minnesota taken advantage of its soft opening schedule by devouring every cupcake that’s come it’s way, it’s done so in convincing fashion.
That frequently wasn’t the case for these Wolves in past seasons. But their ability to beat teams they have a clear talent advantage over has propped up their position in the Western Conference standings through 14 games. Minnesota is now 9-0 this season against teams with losing records.
Here are takeaways from Minnesota’s blowout victory:
Reid rolls
After a slow start to the season, Naz Reid is finding his rhythm for Minnesota — and it’s largely stemmed from his energy on the glass.
Reid scored 22 points on Monday on a strong shooting performance, but he also grabbed 12 rebounds to pace the Wolves on the glass.
It’s the second time hitting 12 boards in three games for Reid, who’s averaging 18 points a game in that span.
Clark the spark
Minnesota (9-5) took a minute to establish itself Monday, but that shifted quickly the second Jaylen Clark checked into the game.
Clark instilled a defensive tenacity his teammates picked up on. Dallas (4-11), who’s short on ball handlers, didn’t handle the pressure well. The Mavericks turned the ball over 19 times Monday, which directly resulted in 24 Wolves points.
Dallas shot just 40% from the field and 30% from distance.
McDaniels can’t miss
Anthony Edwards is struggling with his outside shot at the moment. The star guard is 2 for 21 from 3-point range over the last three games. But Minnesota has hardly missed his outside production, thanks to the sharpshooting of Jaden McDaniels.
The defensive stopper went 3 for 4 from deep against Dallas, putting his season-long number at north of 50%. That’s been a bugaboo at times throughout McDaniels’ career, but his confidence and results appear to be an aberration.
Most important, McDaniels is hitting shots from the wing and the top of the floor, with the former being an area where he struggled mightily as recently as last season.
His ability to hit the long ball solves plenty of potential spacing issues for Minnesota.
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