Game Preview #18: Timberwolves vs. Kings

Minnesota Timberwolves against Sacramento Kings
Date: November 27, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. CST
Location: Target center
TV coverage: FanDuel Sports Network North
Radio reporting: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

Timberwolves at a crossroads: A win against Sacramento is a must

Here we are, Wolves fans, licking our wounds after another tough loss, this time in overtime against the Houston Rockets. And since the NBA schedulers show no mercy, the Timberwolves have to regroup for a second game against the Sacramento Kings. This is the very definition of a gut-checking game. Can the Wolves find the energy to right the ship after a brutal stretch, or will they continue to sink below .500?

Let’s set the stage: Minnesota is 8-9. They have lost three times in a row. The NBA Cup is out of the window after the missed opportunity against Houston and the mood among fans is somewhere between “Why am I watching this?” and “everyone’s firing.” But before you throw your Wolves jersey down the chimney, let’s break this down again.

The aftermath of Houston: missed opportunities and missteps

If you’re still watching Jaden McDaniels’ wide-open corner three-pointer come out, you’re not alone. That was the dagger the Wolves needed to seal a tough 18-point comeback, but the basketball gods had other plans. Instead of taking an eight-point lead, the Wolves quickly missed a three-pointer on the other side and the game turned into a two-point duel that they couldn’t win. The overtime? A microcosm of this season: initial highlights followed by shocking mistakes.

It’s a game they could have, should have, and absolutely needed to win. But they didn’t, and now the Wolves are 8-9 and battling a wave of pessimism that is quickly turning into a tsunami.

A team without identity

The Timberwolves are an enigma. One evening they bring the Boston Celtics – the defending champions, mind you – to the brink of the abyss. The next moment they’re sleepwalking against the Toronto Raptors or missing a winnable game against Houston. The inconsistency is insane and the once-proud defense that carried this team last season is nowhere to be found.

The offense? Let’s just say it’s still a work in progress. Anthony Edwards has moments of brilliance, but hasn’t always seemed like the unstoppable force we know he can be. Julius Randle, for all his faceoff ball antics, kept the offense to a minimum at times. And let’s not even get started on Dante DiVincenzo’s brickfest from three-point land.

Without Mike Conley’s steady hand at point guard, the Wolves’ offense was aimless. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and DiVincenzo tried to fill the void, but the results were completely disappointing. The bright spot? Rob Dillingham. The rookie was electrifying, leading comebacks against both Boston and Houston. He’s fast, fearless and exactly the type of energy this team needs. More about him later.

Sacramento: A Familiar Enemy

The Kings roll into Target Center with thoughts of revenge. The Wolves have already stolen two games from them this season, both at the Golden 1 Center. You can bet that Sacramento would love to return the favor and hand the Wolves a loss in front of their home crowd.

De’Aaron Fox has been playing crazy lately, including a 60-point masterpiece that would have been league history if the Wolves hadn’t somehow gotten an overtime victory. With Domantas Sabonis being a consistent presence as usual, the Kings are no joke despite their 8-10 record. The Wolves will have to be at their best, both mentally and physically, to maintain their perfect record against Sacramento.

Keys to victory: Defense, Dillingham and a little help from the bench

Let’s start with the obvious: Defense. Wolves need to rediscover the intensity that made them so dangerous last season. That means locking down Fox and Sabonis, securing rebounds and preventing second chances. Easier said than done, but it’s non-negotiable if Wolves want to win.

On offense it is time to fully develop Rob Dillingham. The kid was a revelation and brought a spark to a team that desperately needed him. He doesn’t just make plays; He makes everyone around him better, especially Edwards. With Dillingham taking over the point, the offense feels more fluid and dangerous. Chris Finch needs to give the rookie serious minutes, especially with Conley still sidelined.

And then there is the bank. Naz Reid has been in crisis but in this game he needs to step up and continue the momentum he built against Houtson. When Naz is in action, he is a game-changer, providing goals, energy and excitement. The Wolves need that version of him tonight. And let’s hope someone – anyone – finds their shot from beyond the arc, because the Wolves’ three-point shooting was downright painful to watch.

What is at stake

It’s not just about getting back to .500. It’s about pride and showing that this team can compete in the face of adversity. A win tonight could be the first step towards salvaging a disappointing start to the season. A loss? Well, let’s not go there.

The Wolves have a golden opportunity with their home games against the Kings and Clippers this week to pick up some wins that would end the month with a team above .500. But it starts tonight. Sacramento comes hungry and the Wolves need to be ready. No excuses, no mental mistakes, just 48 minutes of focused, high-energy basketball.

Final thoughts

Look, I understand. The optimism from the start of the season seems to be a distant memory and it’s tempting to write this team off. But they’re not that far away. Two shots — one against Boston, one against Houston — could have completely reversed that narrative. The pieces are there; It’s just a matter of putting them together.

Rob Dillingham’s emergence is a reason for hope, and if the Wolves can get healthy, figure out their rotations and get stronger defensively, there’s still plenty of time to turn things around. But it has to start now. Tonight. Against Sacramento.

Let’s see what this team consists of. The talent is undeniable. The question is whether they have the heart, courage and focus to make it count. Showtime at Target Center. Let’s go.