Limiting Opponents' Easy Points
Instead of getting deeper into Minnesota's offense — which, we have to acknowledge, has some pretty flawed aspects like bench scoring and assist-to-turnover ratio — let's talk some more about their defense.
Even as the Wolves are making the most out of their shots on one end, they've also done a great job of preventing teams from scoring too many easy points. Minnesota allows just 12.8 fastbreak points and 20.6 free throw attempts per game — both top-10 numbers in those respective categories.
The Wolves, in other words, have figured out many ways to curtail an opposing team's scoring production. Shoot from outside? Alexander-Walker and Anderson will (no pun intended) hound you all around the perimeter. Speed up the game? McDaniels and Edwards will anchor the transition defense, perhaps even pull off a chase-down block. Try your luck in the paint? Gobert and Reid can't wait to meet you at the rim.
Much of the regular season has yet to unfold, but if the Minnesota Timberwolves end up going on a deep playoff run, they'll have come a long way in silencing their critics from years past. With their stifling defense and efficient offense, the Wolves might end up having the last laugh.