The Minnesota Timberwolves have one of the league’s most well-rounded guard rooms in the NBA.
Among the starters, veteran Mike Conley is a consistent presence of balance, and the budding superstar Anthony Edwards can get a bucket at will. However, Minnesota’s primary bench options, 3-and-D specialist Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the three-point marksman Donte DiVincenzo, have unlocked an abundance of lineup flexibility throughout the season.
Minutes, roles, and usage can differ throughout the playoffs, but Minnesota’s impact from Alexander-Walker and DiVincenzo is boundless. DiVincenzo, Alexander-Walker, and the coaching staff remain confident they will overcome shortcomings, even on their off nights.
“Can’t run from a challenge,” Alexander-Walker said after his 20-point game in a Game 2 win over the Golden State Warriors. “They (the coaching staff) are only saying that because they believe in my ability.”
The Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, but Alexander-Walker struggled in the series. He averaged only 6 points per game on 9 of 34 (26.5%) from the field and 5 of 23 (21.7%) from three-point range.
Alexander-Walker is self-aware of the challenges he has faced in his NBA career. He has acknowledged his struggles to begin the playoffs.
“For me, being too optimistic at times. Heavily relying on the next game to be the game,” he said, reflecting after bouncing back in Game 2 against Golden State. “Tonight it was just about, let me focus on bringing the pace, rebounding. Everything that didn’t require the ball going in the basket.”
Chris Finch had similar thoughts.
“A lot of it starts with his ability to knock down shots,” he said. “We needed him to take a deep breath, stay ready, and confident. I thought he had turned down some shots, can’t have that. Everything flows from there for him.”
The playoffs are about finding a way to make an impact, which Alexander-Walker did in Game 2. He continuously capitalized on whatever the context of the offense was at the time throughout the game. He found a way, whether in transition, relocating off the ball for threes, or finding gaps against poor perimeter defenders to get downhill to the rim.
Alexander-Walker and DiVincenzo’s most substantial impact on the Timberwolves is their ability to promote positive team play even when they aren’t playing well.
The key to being an impactful role player is complementing the team’s higher-usage player. The modern NBA’s team-building has seen an influx of 3-and-D players due to the importance of winning the game’s math with your lower-usage, higher-variance players. Role players who can play in a simple role oriented around shooting 90% of their shots from three or at the rim will be more likely to drive winning and allow the team’s stars to thrive.
When Alexander-Walker and DiVincenzo are at their best, they take what the defense gives them rather than forcing it.
Similarly to Alexander-Walker, DiVincenzo has struggled to play efficiently in the playoffs. He is shooting an abysmal 21 of 70 (30%) from the field and 10 of 46 (21.7%) from three-point range, averaging 8 points per game. DiVincenzo’s deep shooting range and ability to stretch defenses out can add value for Minnesota’s lineups, especially when Mike Conley isn’t scoring.
Lineups featuring DiVincenzo and Alexander-Walker together have struggled. However, when the Timberwolves have elected to use just one of them, the lineups have been positive.
DiVincenzo has not fully capitalized on open looks in his opportunities thus far, but he has the trait that all great shooters have. The utmost confidence that the next one is going in.
“Going through a little slump, the worst time to go through it,” said DiVincenzo after Game 2. “Collectively, everybody lifts me up.”
Ultimately, Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo must play efficiently throughout the playoffs for the Wolves to go on a run. Their sustained impact on their occasional makes and their aspiration to be net-neutral in their off-nights will only keep the Timberwolves balanced when it may not be their night. And when their shots fall, it will kickstart the offense.
