The Minnesota Timberwolves' top notch defense couldn't contain the Cleveland Cavaliers in their rematch
After matching up on Thursday in Minnesota, the Timberwolves headed to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers yet again, coming off a 131-122 victory at home at the Target Center. A battle of two of the top scoring guards in the NBA and Defensive Player of the Year winners anchoring the defense, the two sides match up well on paper.
However, on Saturday, it was the Cavaliers getting their revenge, securing a 146-134 win over the Timberwolves, who allowed the most points they have all season (142 was the previous high). Five Cavaliers finished with 20 or more points, as turnovers and elite efficiency from the Cavaliers ended up determining the game.
Keys To The Game
Rudy Gobert has made a strong case early this season to be considered for a fifth Defensive Player of the Year, but the Cavaliers dominated in the paint on Saturday. They scored 68 of their points in the paint, compared to Minnesota's 58. Even though Gobert had three blocks and a steal, his four fouls played a factor in the game, despite having the best plus-minus in the starting five (-8).
Minnesota was strong offensively as well, converting 57% of their field goal attempts, as well as 50% of their three-pointers, and they went 16-of-20 from the free-throw line. However, Cleveland managed to just somehow be better.
They shot 60% from the field and 48% from three, converting nearly 66% of their attempts from inside the arc. Donovan Mitchell led the way in scoring for Cleveland with 28 points, but Jaylon Tyson (23 points) and Sam Merrill (20 points) also had strong above-average performances.
The Timberwolves entered the game with the fifth-best defensive rating in the NBA and fourth in the league in scoring, but only one of those sides of the ball played up to their standard.
What's Next For Minnesota?
The upcoming games for the Timberwolves won't be easy by any means. They'll return home to Minnesota on Sunday for the second leg of their back-to-back to host the San Antonio Spurs, before heading out on a four-game road trip.
On the trip, they'll face the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Spurs again, as they'll be faced with elite superstar talent over the next four games. Not only will they need Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to continue leading their efforts offensively, but they also need a total buy-in around Gobert to slow their opponents down on defense.
If Minnesota can go at least 2-1 on their road trip against the Bucks, Rockets, and Spurs, they'll be sitting in a strong position as they near the end of January.