The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into the All-Star break with momentum and expectations - and for good reason. After back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals, this group has shown a knack for getting stronger as the season wears on. And with the recent addition of Ayo Dosunmu, the Wolves might just have the extra juice they need to make another deep run.
But let’s not pretend everything is perfect in Minneapolis. This team has legitimate flaws, and if they want to take that next step - not just contending, but winning it all - they’ll need to address a few key issues during this much-needed midseason reset. So let’s break it down.
Bench Scoring: Can the Reserves Keep Up?
On the surface, Minnesota’s offense looks elite. They’re tied for third in the NBA, putting up 119.7 points per game.
But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see a troubling trend: the bench ranks just 22nd in scoring. That’s a problem, especially when you’re leaning so heavily on your starting five - Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels have been carrying a massive load.
In today’s NBA, depth isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Teams that go deep in the playoffs often have multiple bench guys who can swing a game.
The good news? Minnesota may have just found their answer.
Ayo Dosunmu is having a breakout year, and his arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. He’s averaging 15 points per game and doing it efficiently, with a smooth shooting stroke from deep and the ability to finish inside. He slides seamlessly into the role previously held by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and early returns suggest he might even be an upgrade.
Pair Dosunmu with Naz Reid - one of the best bench bigs in the league and a former Sixth Man of the Year - and you’ve got a formidable second unit. Reid’s ability to stretch the floor and score in bunches gives Minnesota a dynamic frontcourt option off the bench.
And don’t overlook Bones Hyland, who’s starting to find his rhythm. If this trio continues to develop chemistry, bench scoring might go from a weakness to a real strength.
Clutch Time: Who Helps Ant Close?
Let’s be clear - Anthony Edwards has been a force in crunch time. He’s playing like a guy who wants the Clutch Player of the Year trophy on his mantle. But playoff games are often won in the margins, and Minnesota can’t afford to be a one-man show in the final minutes.
When defenses lock in on Edwards or throw double teams his way, someone else has to step up. That’s where Dosunmu could again be a difference-maker.
Even though he comes off the bench, his poise and scoring ability might earn him closing minutes. He’s not afraid of the moment.
But the real X-factor here is Julius Randle. He’s had a strong season statistically, but late in games, the consistency just hasn’t been there.
He’s shooting just 34.6% in clutch situations - not what you want from a guy with his talent and physicality. Randle has the tools to be a nightmare for opposing defenses down the stretch, but he needs to bring that same bully-ball mentality to the final possessions.
If he can become a reliable second option behind Edwards in crunch time, Minnesota’s closing unit gets a lot scarier.
Free Throws: Making the Easy Ones
Here’s the stat that should have Wolves fans raising their eyebrows: Minnesota is shooting just 74.6% from the free throw line - second-worst in the league. That’s not just a minor issue; it’s the kind of thing that can cost you playoff games.
Yes, Rudy Gobert’s struggles from the stripe are well-documented, and some of that is baked into the equation. But this goes beyond the big man.
Anthony Edwards, for all his brilliance, is shooting just 79.5% from the line. That’s solid, but for a player of his caliber - someone who lives at the rim and draws a ton of contact - that number should be higher.
Then there’s Donte DiVincenzo, a known shooter, who’s hitting just 75.3% of his free throws. That’s a head-scratcher.
Free throws are often about focus and repetition. They’re the most controllable part of the game, and in tight playoff battles, they matter - a lot. If the Timberwolves can tighten up at the line, they’ll be in much better shape when the games really start to count.
Bottom Line: The Timberwolves are in a strong position heading into the second half of the season. They’ve got star power, a top-tier defense, and now, with Dosunmu in the mix, a deeper bench.
But if they want to turn another deep playoff run into a Finals appearance - or better - they’ll need to shore up their late-game execution, find more scoring options in crunch time, and start cashing in at the free throw line. The pieces are there.
Now it’s about putting it all together.