The Minnesota Timberwolves' defense has been suffocating opponents during their four-game winning streak, including a 115-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

Minnesota has allowed 103.5 points per game during this stretch. It's the byproduct of an established defensive identity spearheaded by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.

Gobert anchors the paint, shuts down the rim and alters shot attempts with his presence. The Timberwolves' defensive game plan is to pressure the ball-handler at the perimeter and funnel them to Gobert.

Their strategy is perfect with McDaniels, who's one of the league's best wing defenders. He guards otherworldly talents every night, and when they beat him off the dribble, Gobert is right there to clean it up.

The team currently boasts a 105.1 defensive rating, besting the Detroit Pistons (105.4) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (105.5).

Dominating the boards is key to its dominance. Gobert grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds, and no Jazz player could box him out.

The 7-foot-1 Frenchman said he's proud of the team's effort to clean the glass and wants them to be the league's best defense. Although the Timberwolves are right now, he feels there is room for them to improve.

Minnesota has championship expectations, and Gobert is holding the team to that standard. Two Western Conference Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025 are impressive, but it no longer satisfies the team.

Minnesota has won in different ways during the four-game winning streak. The defense carried on Sunday; Ayo Dosunmu and LaMelo Ball arrived in the clutch to seal close games.

Dosunmu scored eight points and dished two assists in the final five minutes in Friday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He hit two crucial threes to push the lead and create a comfortable cushion.

Ball exploded for 12 points in Wednesday's win over the Houston Rockets. The 6-foot-7 guard hit two catch-and-shoot threes, assisted by Jonathan Kuminga, and went to the reliable pick-and-roll with Gobert.

He's stepping up massively for the Timberwolves in superstar Anthony Edwards' absence. Edwards is expected to miss up to two months after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his ailing right knee.

Title contenders don't sweep the competition nightly; they have to dig and rely on their role players to step up or lean on one strength on a down night.

Minnesota is building winning habits without its superstar. Gobert and McDaniels anchor the NBA's best defense, and Ball carries the offensive load.