Target Center figures to be bumping at 8:30 p.m. Friday, when the Timberwolves host the Lakers in Game 3 of the first-round series.
Naz Reid still remembers the home roars from Minnesota’s last few playoff appearances. The building gets jarringly loud ahead of the opening tip. It’s an atmosphere well suited for such a stage.
The question is, will fans have something to cheer for when play begins? The answer was frequently “No” at the end of last year’s postseason run.
Minnesota spanked Phoenix in its two first-round home games. After that, the Wolves won just one of their final five home postseason contests. They went 1-2 against Denver in the conference semifinals, and went 0-3 against Dallas in the West Finals.
Luka Doncic, who will lead the Lakers into Minneapolis on Friday, won just as many playoff games at Target Center last season (3) as the Wolves did.
“I think we do have to establish a home court in these playoffs, especially against teams like the Lakers,” Wolves guard Mike Conley said.
Because while Target Center is usually packed with Wolves fans, and figures to largely be so again Friday, Los Angeles has a national fan base that is spread across the country. When the Lakers score a bucket during the regular season, there is a contingent of folks in the arena cheering them on, even in Minnesota.
That is sure to be the case again in Game 3.
“We have to use our fans as momentum and the atmosphere to push us forward and create an identity that gives them something to cheer for and get behind,” Conley said. “I think we’re going to do that. I think we’re going to have a lot of energy and be ready to go.”
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch thought complacency may have been a culprit for Minnesota’s home struggles against Denver in last year’s playoffs. The Wolves are at their best when they play with an edge. Sometimes they lose that in their own friendly confines.
The Wolves went 25-16 this season at Target Center, the second-worst home record among all Western Conference playoff teams.
“It’s kind of difficult because you are at home, so you are a little bit laxed,” Reid said. “But it’s the playoffs. Have that sense of urgency, being mindful and understanding of the time and situation we’re in right now. I think we’ll all be all right. The fans are great. They have been great, and I think playing in our home environment is definitely (helpful), especially when you’re in the playoffs.”
Conley noted when the Wolves are on the road, they have no distractions and are focused solely on silencing the crowd.
“At home, we need to find a way to pick up our crowd,” he said, “get our crowd involved and make it a very, very tough and hostile environment like teams can be on the road when we go on the road.”
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