The duo that revolutionized the NBA summer is now working: “We will be unstoppable”
At first impression it didn’t seem the best. The Minnesota Timberwolves, clear cheerleaders for the final summer in the NBA along with the New York Knicksshowed shortcomings in their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Not because of the final score (110-103), but because it seemed that their pieces did not add up. Whether it will work or not will be determined by the progress of the games and the Playoffs, but little by little they are getting better. They defeated the Sacramento Kings (115-117) in a battle of contenders for the top-6 in the Westand the image starts to get better.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles the ball with Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) on defense during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. The Timberwolves won 117-115. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
A few weeks before the start of the preseason, Minnesota jumped into the pool. He accepted the crazy trade proposed by the New York Knicks and decided to trade their inner lighthouse, Karl-Anthony Towns, for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first round draft pick. Turning his proposal around completely. In the official premiere, against the Lakers, he did not convince anyone. Randle is not the ultimate team player and limited Anthony Edwards, the clear star of the team, to find a living to generate and not be where everything started from. Alarms activated.
a phrase
It didn’t take long for Minnesota to change its way of seeing things. It seems that it was born from a conversation of Edwards con Randle. “If you don’t suit us, don’t worry. We adapt to you“, said the Olympic gold in Paris to his new teammate. Said and done, and the two went from not getting along to an absolutely elite match.
If you don’t suit us, don’t worry. We adapt to you
The clash between Kings and Wolves was worthy of the Playoffs, and both Edwards and Randle upped the ante.Ant He had 32 points and 7 rebounds, while Randle accompanied with 33 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Some formidable numbers. Never had any Timberwolves duo recorded a statistical line like this combined with at least three triples per player.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball with Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) on defense during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. The Timberwolves won 117-115. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
A year ago, I would have gone left for a jump shot. But as I get older, we’re supposed to mature
And it had its finishing touch at the end. With the match tied, a more practical than spectacular Edwards appeared. He decided to go in, was fouled and won the game from the free throw. “A year ago, I would have gone left for a jump shot. But as I get older, we’re supposed to mature“, he pointed out. To win, something necessary. And the Wolves regain their smile with the 1-1. “If we are ourselves, we will be unstoppable,” he concluded.
