In last season’s Play-In Tournament game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves had a 7-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. In a game that would end as a 108-102 overtime loss for the Wolves, they scored just 16 points the rest of the way while the Lakers scored 29. The result cost the Wolves the right to play the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1, a matchup the Lakers took advantage of.
Minnesota’s struggles in that game came down to late-game execution. It has plagued the Timberwolves all season, and it became evident to the millions watching this nationally televised game. But Minnesota’s late-game execution has improved this year. They have already been involved in a fair share of close games, and the execution to finish those games has largely contributed to their 18-5 record.
The Wolves are third in the NBA in win percentage in close games; only the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks are ahead of them. The NBA defines “clutch time” as “the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points.” The Wolves have an 80% win percentage in these games. It’s only December, but that’s an improvement over last season’s 54%.
Luka Doncic has driven many of Dallas’ winning efforts in close games this season, and they’re 15-9. With the pressure that Doncic brings to opposing defenses, he’s adept at creating for others, or even himself, late in games. It’s led people around him to rate Doncic so highly at only 24 years old.
Although the Hornets are 7-15, they’ve won many close games. For example, they’ve beaten the Boston Celtics, an Eastern Conference contender, and the Indiana Pacers, who made the In-Season Tournament Finals. Led by LaMelo Ball, Charlotte has enough offensive talent to make opposing teams work for their wins. The Wolves have had their struggles against them in the past, and fans know what a player like Terry Rozier has been able to do in those games.
As far as Minnesota’s close games this season, there are a few moments to look to. The Celtics game is notable because they are one of the top teams in the league. The combination of unselfishness and superstardom down the stretch from Anthony Edwards, paired with the defensive effort given throughout the Timberwolves rotation, was the first glimpse of what the Wolves can achieve this season.
Minnesota’s 121-120 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 18 was another impressive late-game performance. A game against the Pelicans without Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum probably shouldn’t have been that close. But the Wolves stormed back to win the game with a total team effort on both ends of the court. Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns showed maturity late in the game. They passed up their own looks for better ones, something that might not have happened as often a year ago. While Towns won the game with an impressive isolation move, what led to that point was just as noteworthy.
To no one’s surprise, Mike Conley has been a catalyst in Minnesota’s late-game execution this season. The 18-year veteran has brought a level of composure, competitiveness, and leadership that has become contagious throughout the roster. Although the move was initially questioned by some people who follow the team, the D’Angelo Russell for Conley trade has been a major success. Given his effect on the team in such a short time with the organization, it’s no surprise Conley won the 2022-23 NBA Sportsmanship Award for the fourth time in July.
Sitting at 18-5, the Wolves will finish out December with one of the tougher schedules in the league. By the time the new year is here, the Wolves will likely have played a few more close games. They must continue to execute at a high level in late-game situations. Because even if shots don’t go in, the continued unselfishness should pay off.
