In this early 2018-19 season, no other team played more games than the Wolves. Expecting such a solid last quarter against the Pacers – with Wiggins out for a right quad contusion after 8 minutes of the match – was an unprecedented turning point. They plugged in new energy, making the right in-game adjustments to reverse the poor 3 point shooting (2/8 in the first three quarters) and level up the defensive activity.

STACK PICK AND ROLL

The best way to keep three players engaged guarding a ball screen action is running stack pick and rolls. The T-Wolves raised their shots quality exposing Corey Joseph in taking tough decisions in short times.

Tyus used high ball screen from Dieng, then Dieng rolls into a backscreen set by Tolliver. These plays always leave an open look and fit well with quick creators as Tyus and Tolliver. Jones runs the same set, capitalizing from three different situations

It is not so ordinary to watch Thibs embracing league-wide trends and playing these types of quick hitters. Anyway, it paid off. The Wolves shot with the 57.1 percent (4/7) from 3 in the fourth quarter and all of them were wide open attempts.

FULL SWITCH MODE & SCRAMBLE DEFENSE

In the first half, Towns put pressure on the pick and rolls as he did few times since he’s in the NBA. The Wolves have started “showing” the big on more ball-screens.

Towns comes up beyond the 3-point arc to “show” onto Darren Collison while he’s still well-positioned to recover on Myles Turner

But the two game changer factors were the perimeter combination of Tyus Jones, Jimmy Butler, and Josh Okogie – that limited Pacers All-Star Victor Oladipo to five points on 2-for-10 shooting in the second half – and switching.

Towns displayed good lateral quickness, he doesn’t have to overthink about dropping or icing the ball handler on every possession. 

His activity on this scramble defense is impressive. He picks up and traps from side to side.

EARLY SEALS

Using Towns more and better as a rim runner was one of the keys for the 28 fastbreaks points made. T-Wolves lead the NBA in transition’s efficiency. They could even score more than 1.52 points per possessions if they allow KAT to attack in whatever situation a defender is weakest.

His strength is the flexibility of his skill set. Fewer wedge actions in the low post to isolate him and more full-court plays with him as a trailer. Teammates and offensive efficiency would both benefit from it.