Julius Randle shared some insights on how to shut down high-volume opposing offenses after the Timberwolves took down the Heat on Saturday.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a team defined by their offense this season, but that's only one half of the game and working on the other end has been a dedicated effort team wide.
It's hard not to only focus on offense when Minnesota is scoring at such a high level. They're the 10th-best scoring team at an average of 118.9 points per game and they've accomplished that ranking through sheer efficiency. While the Timberwolves average just 88.5 shots per game, the seventh-lowest in the NBA, they own the ninth-highest shooting percentage at 47.8%.
Still, offense only goes so far. The defensive end of the Timberwolves' game was on full display in their 125-115 win over the Miami Heat Saturday, which snapped a four-game winning streak for the Heat.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesFacing Fast-Paced Teams
Miami tested Minnesota with a fast-paced, high volume offense of their own, but Minnesota responded with all the answers the team needed to shut down a relentless Heat offense that leads the league in field goal attempts and put up 87 shots Saturday.
The Timberwolves have been tested by a number of high-paced teams lately, not just the Heat.
Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) protects the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesThe Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets are all teams that the Timberwolves have been tested by in the last two weeks, to varying levels of success. One big takeaway that Julius Randle and Minnesota have found throughout each of these challenges is the importance of preparation and urgency when it comes to setting up defenses.
"We got to get back, obviously. We know when we get our defense set at the half court we're pretty hard to score on," Randle said (via Timberwolves). "So, it's really just about getting back, matching up with the guy who's in front of you and talking matchups throughout the course of the game and the course of possession."
Minnesota's Defensive Prowess
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) shoots the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) defends in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThat emphasis on preparation on communication when it comes to matchups has paid off well for the Timberwolves. They currently own the eighth-best defensive rating at 112.8 and they've held opponents to an average of 13.5 points per game off of fast breaks and 14.5 points off turnovers per game.
Marrying both their elite offense and defense is a deadly combination that has brought the Timberwolves to a 22013 this season and if they maintain their commitment to that defensive urgency, which hasn't always shown up despite their overall success, they set themselves apart as one of the best teams in the NBA.