Clutch-time play was Minnesota’s Achilles heel all season — and, frankly, had been for years.
The Timberwolves were 23rd in net rating in the clutch, classified as the time in the final 5 minutes of a game when the margin is within five points, during the regular season. Last year, they were 29th in the NBA after Christmas.
That was one of Minnesota’s glaring concerns heading into the postseason. With so many playoff contests determined in the final 5 minutes, you’re going to struggle to advance if you cannot perform in those moments. The Wolves learned that first hand a year ago, dropping each of the first three games of the Western Conference Finals in crunch time to Dallas.
That’s what got the Wolves eliminated.
Yet pressed twice at Target Center over the weekend, Minnesota made the requisite plays down the stretch to beat the Lakers and claim a 3-1 series lead heading into Game 5 on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Minnesota outscored Los Angeles by 14 points in 7 clutch-time minutes, which proved to be the difference in Games 3 and 4.
Much of that success has, justifiably, been attributed to the play of Anthony Edwards, who has balanced playmaking and timely scoring with the game on the line. But those around him have certainly played a role, as well.
For this specific matchup, in which the Lakers condense their defense to limit Edwards’ driving lanes, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has gone with an offense-heavy closing lineup of Edwards, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels, which has done the job so far.
That lineup has produced 25 points in 7 clutch-time minutes, going 7 for 11 from the field, including 4 for 4 from distance. Minnesota is also a perfect 7 for 7 from the free-throw line in those situations.
That lineup complements Edwards well, particularly on the offensive end. Reid has buried three triples, including one on a kickout from Edwards in Game 3. In Game 4, Edwards got off the ball late to hit DiVincenzo, who attacked a closeout and got to the rim for an and-1 bucket.
“Everyone that we’ve got has been playing at a high level, especially that five that’s been finishing the game,” Edwards said. “When they’re trapping, we’ve got four guys out there offensively that know how to play, know when to cut, know when to come to the ball, know when to space and then just have shooters all over the place. So, FInchy is doing a great job of having the right guys out there at the right time.”
Finch said the five-man group features “the perfect blend of passing and shot-making and activity.”
What’s ironic is that lineup played just 113 minutes together during the regular season, and was outscored by 4.3 points per 100 possessions when it was on the floor — largely because it struggled to make shots. Now, it can’t miss. It’s notable two of those guys came to Minnesota via trade just days before the start of training camp.
Finch said at this point in the season, everyone is comfortable with one another.
“I think that unit on the offensive end, you can throw it to anybody and anybody can get downhill and make plays for one another,” DiVincenzo said. “When that is the situation, and Ant’s up top doing his thing, they have to respect everybody on the line, and he’s making the right play over and over and over again. We can just be physical and be ourselves. At that point, it’s winning time and that’s the only thing we’re trying to do is win the game.”
On both ends of the floor. That unit’s ability to defend will ultimately determine its success.
The Lakers have just 11 points in those 7 clutch-time minutes. Part of that has to do with outside shooting struggles in those instances, but Minnesota has also shut down most driving attempts.
“This is kind of crazy we’ve been connected on the defensive end,” Edwards said. “Making the right rotations, having each other’s backs.”
That’s exactly what’s required to win time this time of year.
“I think, defensively there’s enough grittiness,” Finch said. “These guys just lead with their physicality.”
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