Minnesota Timberwolves: Legitimate Contenders in the West

by

Dec 19, 2023

The Minnesota Timberwolves have taken the NBA by storm this season, boasting a stellar 20-5 record and sharing the best record in the league through 25 games with the Boston Celtics. Surprisingly, despite their impressive performance, the Timberwolves’ odds of winning the Western Conference and securing the Larry O’Brien trophy still stand at 11 to 1 and 19 to 1, respectively. This raises the question: are the Timberwolves genuine contenders this season? We firmly believe they are.

As we examine the current Western Conference standings, it becomes clear that the usual suspects, like the Golden State Warriors, find themselves outside of the playoff picture if the season were to end today. The Phoenix SunsLos Angeles Lakers, and the New Orleans Pelicans, among others, are all struggling to secure playoff positions. In stark contrast, the Timberwolves are leading the way in the West, demonstrating their commitment to taking the regular season seriously.

The Timberwolves’ impressive 11-1 home record underscores their prowess and consistency, and they’ve won nine of their last ten games. This isn’t just a lucky streak; it’s a team firing on all cylinders. The Oklahoma City Thunder are also sitting comfortably in the second seed, indicating that these young teams are prioritizing building chemistry and momentum ahead of the playoffs.

Some skeptics might argue that the Timberwolves wouldn’t be in the top spot under normal circumstances, but that’s simply not true. They have a solid foundation with a strong inside presence and versatile big men who can shoot the three. Adding to their arsenal is the exceptional talent of Anthony Edwards, a true game-changer.

What sets the Timberwolves apart is their commitment to winning in the regular season, which often translates to success in the playoffs, especially when they secure home-court advantage. Avoiding those dreaded road Game 7s against tough opponents like the Denver Nuggets or the Phoenix Suns can make all the difference.

Don’t dismiss the Minnesota Timberwolves as mere pretenders. They have the right pieces in place and a winning mentality that could see them go deep into the playoffs. With odds still offering value, it might be a smart move to buy into their championship potential. In a season filled with surprises, the Timberwolves are proving that they’re more than just a flash in the pan. This team is for real, and they’re here to stay.

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Thumbnail photo via Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

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