Is this lineup the Timberwolves’ clutch-time solution?
Clutch-time play was Minnesota’s Achilles’ heel all season– and, frankly, had been for years.
The Timberwolves were 23rd in net rating in the clutch, classified as the time in the last 5 minutes of a game when the margin is within 5 points, throughout the routine season. In 2015, they were 29th in the NBA after Christmas.
That was among Minnesota’s glaring concerns heading into the postseason. With a lot of playoff contests figured out in the last 5 minutes, you’re going to struggle to advance if you can not carry out in those minutes. The Wolves found out that firsthand a year ago, dropping each of the first 3 games of the Western Conference finals in crunch time to Dallas.
That’s what got the Wolves got rid of.
Yet pushed two times at Target Center over the weekend, Minnesota made the requisite plays down the stretch to beat the Lakers and claim a 3-1 series lead heading into Video game 5 on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Minnesota outscored Los Angeles by 14 points in seven clutch-time minutes, which showed to be the difference in Games 3 and 4.
Much of that success has, justifiably, been attributed to the play of Anthony Edwards, who has actually stabilized playmaking and timely scoring with the game on the line. However those around him have actually definitely played a role, as well.
For this particular match, in which the Lakers condense their defense to limit Edwards’ driving lanes, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has chosen an offense-heavy closing lineup of Edwards, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels that has actually gotten the job done so far.
That lineup has produced 25 points in 7 clutch-time minutes, going 7 for 11 from the field, consisting of 4 for 4 from distance. Minnesota is also a best 7 for 7 from the free-throw line in those situations.
That lineup complements Edwards well, particularly on the offensive end. Reid has actually buried 3 triples, consisting of one on a kickout from Edwards in Game 3. In Game 4, Edwards got off the ball late to hit DiVincenzo, who assaulted a closeout and got to the rim for an and-1 container.
“Everyone that we have actually got has actually been dipping into a high level, especially that 5 that’s been finishing the game,” Edwards stated. “When they’re trapping, we’ve got four guys out there offensively that know how to play, know when to cut, know when to come to the ball, understand when to area and after that just have shooters all over the place. So, FInchy is doing an excellent task of having the best guys out there at the right time.”
Finch said the five-man group features “the ideal mix of passing and shot-making and activity.”
What’s paradoxical is that lineup played simply 113 minutes together during the routine season and was outscored by 4.3 points per 100 possessions when it was on the flooring– mainly since it struggled to make shots. Now, it can’t miss out on. It’s notable two of those guys came to Minnesota via trade simply days before the start of training school.
Finch stated at this moment in the season, everyone is comfy with one another.
“I believe that system on the offending end, you can throw it to anybody, and anyone can get downhill and make plays for one another,” DiVincenzo stated. “When that is the situation, and Ant’s up top doing his thing, they have to appreciate everybody on the line, and he’s making the best play over and over and over again. We can simply be physical and be ourselves. At that point, it’s winning time, and that’s the only thing we’re attempting to do is win the game.”
On both ends of the flooring. That unit’s ability to safeguard will eventually determine its success.
The Lakers have simply 11 points in those 7 clutch-time minutes. Part of that relates to outdoors shooting has a hard time in those circumstances, however Minnesota has also closed down most driving attempts.
“This is kind of crazy we have actually been connected on the protective end,” Edwards said. “Making the ideal rotations, having each other’s backs.”
That’s precisely what’s needed to win time this time of year.
“I believe, defensively there suffices grittiness,” Finch stated. “These guys just lead with their physicality.”
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the 2nd half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Initially Published: April 29, 2025 at 4:42 PM CDT