Takeaways from Timberwolves’ Defensive Struggles in Blowout Loss to Knicks
The New York Knicks dominated inside, scoring 62 points in the paint and capitalizing with 31 second-chance points off 21 offensive rebounds. After impressive wins over low-ranked teams Charlotte and Brooklyn, Minnesota faced a tough reality check on Wednesday in New York.
The Knicks overwhelmed the Timberwolves’ defense, leading to a decisive 137-114 victory at Madison Square Garden. This result also dampened the excitement surrounding Anthony Edwards’ return to the lineup.
Anthony Edwards’ Return and Performance
Edwards came back after missing the last four games due to a hamstring strain. Although initially expected to be sidelined for two weeks, Grade 1 hamstring strains usually require 7 to 10 days to recover. Wednesday marked the 10th day since his injury.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said pregame that Edwards was “itching” to return to play.
Despite the eagerness, Edwards struggled on the court. Minnesota’s performance during his 29 minutes was worse by 25 points, indicating the star guard needs to be more effective for the team to compete against strong opponents.
Team Performance Against Quality Opposition
Minnesota had little trouble beating weaker teams like Charlotte and Brooklyn recently. However, tougher teams have posed significant challenges.
- The Timberwolves have been outplayed by Denver and the Lakers (twice).
- The Knicks delivered a similar defeat.
- The team managed wins against Charlotte, Brooklyn, and Indiana, all expected to finish near the bottom of the NBA standings.
These struggles highlight the gap Minnesota must bridge to succeed against higher-caliber competition.
Summary
The Timberwolves’ loss to the Knicks exposed defensive flaws and underscored Anthony Edwards’ need for a stronger impact as the team faces tougher opponents.