5 Ways Minnesota Timberwolves have evolved into the best team in the West

How the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as the best team in the Western Conference.

Philadelphia 76ers v Minnesota Timberwolves
Philadelphia 76ers v Minnesota Timberwolves | David Berding/GettyImages
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Scoring With Efficiency

Though defense has largely shaped the Wolves' identity this season, they're pretty darn good at putting up buckets as well.

To be specific, Minnesota is making the most of its shots from various locations on the floor. They're a top-10 team in field goal percentage from 5 to 9 feet, 15 to 19 feet, and beyond the arc. In total, the Wolves are averaging 48.2% from the field (including 37.1% from 3-point range). And — for all the analytics devotees out there — the Wolves' True Shooting percentage (58.7) and Effective Field Goal percentage (54.9) set them apart as one of the most efficient offensive displays in the league.

Minnesota's cost-effective scoring is led by All-Star trio Edwards (26.2 PPG, 46.5% from the field), Towns (21.2 PPG, 39.8% from three-point distance), and Gobert (12.4 PPG, 4.6 field goals made out of 7.8 baskets attempted). Oh, and don't forget about the other All-Star on their team—Mike Conley Jr. is attempting as many three-point shots as Towns (4.9) but converting at an even higher clip (44% compared to KAT's 39.8%).