Game Preview #9 – Timberwolves vs. Trailblazers

Minnesota Timberwolves against Portland Trailblazers
Date: November 8, 2024
Time: 8:00 p.m. CST
Location: Target center
TV coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio reporting: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

It’s time for the Minnesota Timberwolves to show that they’re officially over the roller coaster ride. After an explosive fourth quarter that catapulted the Wolves over the Chicago Bulls last night, Minnesota returns to Target Center for the second straight game, this time against the Portland Trail Blazers. This matchup is the third in a series of seven games that, on paper, should be nothing more than a formality for Minnesota. The Wolves had a rocky start to this ‘easy’ phase, coming off a tough game against the Spurs, but have since recovered with wins over the Hornets and Bulls.

This game against Portland offers the Wolves a chance to snap their first real winning streak of the season – and I’m talking more than two wins in a row. Let’s aim for a real three-game series, hopefully even more. Given Portland’s youth and lack of depth, the Wolves have no excuse for anything less than a convincing win. Sure, they’re playing with tired legs after a hard-fought battle in Chicago, but the Blazers aren’t exactly fresh into the game either – they’re heading to Minnesota after a loss to San Antonio. So we have both teams for the second night in a row, but the Wolves have the bigger lineup and arguably the better talent at every position. Anything other than a win would be downright disappointing.

Nevertheless, we have learned that with wolves nothing is as easy as it seems. We saw it against San Antonio, where the crazy travel schedule might have taken its toll, but the Wolves still didn’t have the energy they needed. Against Charlotte, it looked like they might get through the first half before they finally flipped the switch in the third quarter, ultimately turning the game into a 30-point loss. And last night in Chicago? It was another story of two halves. Early on, the Wolves struggled defensively and allowed the Bulls to get what they wanted at the rim and from deep. It seemed like another game that could get away from them, especially with the Bulls extending their lead to 13 points. But then came the fourth quarter – a 45-point explosion that marked the highest offensive output in a single quarter for an NBA team this season. Anthony Edwards decided enough was enough and took the lead, hitting three-pointers, driving to the hoop and leaving no doubt about the outcome of the game.

Now let’s not discount the fact that the Bulls struggled in back-to-back wins against the Mavericks and fatigue may have played a role in their late-game collapse. The early shots started to ring in the fourth period, and the Wolves’ increased defensive pressure certainly didn’t help. But the Wolves can’t expect the Blazers to be eliminated just because they’re tired. They need to step on the gas early and end this game before the Blazers even have a chance to catch their breath. If they mess around like they did in the first half against Chicago, they’re setting themselves up for an unnecessary dogfight.

Here’s the deal: After a 3-3 start, this string of “winnable” games is a chance for the Wolves to build some serious momentum. We’re talking about three games against Portland and a home game against Miami in between. If they take care of business, there’s no reason they can’t sit at 9-3 after this phase. And playing .750 ball by mid-November would put the Wolves right where they need to be, especially given the early season growing pains with new additions like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

That’s what championship-caliber teams do: they go about their business against the teams they’re supposed to beat. The difference between a top-three finish in April and a fifth or sixth place (or worse, a play-in spot) lies in periods like this. Because the Western Conference is stacked — Phoenix, OKC and Golden State are already a good 7-1 — there’s no room for error. In the East, Cleveland and Boston are the only teams over .500. Meanwhile, a 50-50 ball doesn’t even guarantee you a play-in spot in the West.

So it’s time for a gut check. The Wolves need to put on their big pants, show intensity and show that they are here to play every night. Weeks one and two were about finding chemistry and adjusting to new players. But at this point there are no more excuses. Tonight it’s either win or look back at April and wonder where it all went wrong.