Timberwolves' Rotation Decisions Raise Eyebrows in OT Loss to Nuggets
On a Christmas night that delivered one of the most thrilling games of the NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Denver Nuggets in a 142-138 overtime shootout. Anthony Edwards dropped 44 points and hit a jaw-dropping three to force the extra period.
Nikola Jokic responded with a 56-point triple-double that felt more like something out of a video game than a box score. But beyond the fireworks, there was something else that stood out - and it wasn’t nearly as flashy.
Minnesota’s rotation choices, particularly the usage of rookies Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark, continue to raise legitimate questions. Shannon played 10 minutes; Clark saw just over five.
On paper, that might not seem like a big deal. But in the context of this game - and the season as a whole - it was a decision that didn’t align with what the Timberwolves needed on the floor.
Defensive Needs, Offensive Choices
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about giving up on Shannon. He’s a first-round pick with offensive upside, and it’s fair that head coach Chris Finch wants to give him runway to develop. But on a night when the Timberwolves were bleeding points without Rudy Gobert on the floor - posting a brutal 157.4 defensive rating in those non-Gobert minutes - the choice to lean on Shannon over Clark was, at best, questionable.
Shannon has struggled defensively all season. In fact, no player in the league has a worse on-court defensive impact - the Wolves are 17.5 points per 100 possessions worse when he’s on the floor.
That’s not a small sample fluke; it’s a trend. Meanwhile, Clark, a defensive-minded guard with excellent instincts and on-ball tenacity, has actually improved Minnesota’s defense by 2.8 points per 100 possessions when he’s out there.
So when Gobert sits and the Wolves need someone to help hold the defensive line, why turn to the guy who’s been a liability on that end instead of the one who’s shown he can make a difference?
Offense vs. Defense - A False Tradeoff?
One argument in Shannon’s favor is his shooting - he’s hitting 40.5% from three, which is a legit weapon. But even that edge isn’t as wide as it may seem.
Shannon is averaging just 0.3 more points per game than Clark, despite having a worse effective field goal percentage. In other words, Clark isn’t giving you the same outside shooting, but he’s not exactly dragging the offense down either.
And if Shannon’s foot injury - which forced him out of Thursday’s game and has reportedly been bothering him for a while - is limiting his mobility, that’s even more reason to give Clark a longer leash. If you’re not getting the full version of Shannon, why not go with the guy who’s healthy and gives you elite perimeter defense?
The Numbers Don’t Lie
This isn’t just a one-game issue. Finch’s pattern of sticking with Shannon through struggles while keeping Clark on a short leash has been a season-long storyline.
And the numbers back up the argument for more Clark. The Timberwolves are a perfect 14-0 when Clark plays 14 or more minutes.
When he plays fewer than 14? They’re 5-9.
That’s not a coincidence. Clark’s defensive presence clearly translates to winning basketball. His ability to disrupt opposing guards, force turnovers, and stay locked in off the ball gives Minnesota a different edge - especially when Gobert isn’t anchoring the paint.
What’s the Ceiling Here?
At 20-11, the Timberwolves are in a strong position in the Western Conference. They’ve shown they can beat elite teams and hang in high-pressure moments. But if they want to reach their full potential - and be more than just a regular-season story - they’ll need to tighten up the rotation decisions that could be the difference in playoff games.
Shannon still has time to grow into his role, and his shooting will continue to be a valuable asset. But when the Wolves are in tight, high-stakes games and need stops more than buckets, Clark has proven he can deliver. The challenge now for Finch and his staff is recognizing when to ride the hot hand - and when to trust the guy whose defense has already shown it can swing games.
The Wolves don’t need to abandon the development plan. They just need to adjust the dial. More Clark in the right moments could be the key to unlocking this team’s highest gear.