Timberwolves Bounce Back with Ball Movement and Bench Energy in Win Over Hawks
Less than two minutes into the Timberwolves’ matchup with the Atlanta Hawks, Donte DiVincenzo knocked down a wing three off a slick assist from Jaden McDaniels. On most nights, that’s just a routine bucket in the flow of the offense. But coming off Sunday’s blowout loss to the Clippers-a game where DiVincenzo didn’t record a single field goal-it felt like a much-needed jolt for a team looking to reset.
And reset they did.
Minnesota was just one assist shy of their season-high 37 on the night, a clear sign of a team that made a concerted effort to move the ball early and often. Especially in the first quarter, the Wolves steered away from stagnant, one-pass or no-pass possessions and instead leaned into quick decision-making and mixed-action sets.
“Quick decision making and a lot of mixed-action basketball,” head coach Chris Finch said postgame. “Julius and Ant were really great in that… they led the way.”
That shoutout to Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards wasn’t just lip service. After a string of underwhelming outings, the Timberwolves’ top two brought the energy that had been missing. Against a shorthanded Hawks team on the second night of a back-to-back, Minnesota looked like the aggressor from the jump-something that’s been lacking in recent games.
“It felt great… the ball was moving,” said Rudy Gobert. “I thought our focus was there.”
You didn’t need to hear it from Gobert to see it in the numbers. The Wolves shot 45% from deep at the half-far better than the 33% they managed in Sunday’s iso-heavy showing.
The difference? The ball didn’t stick.
It moved, and when it moves like that, good things tend to happen.
Minnesota poured in 70 points in the paint, dwarfing Atlanta’s 42. Seven of the nine players who saw the floor finished in double figures. It wasn’t just pretty basketball-it was effective basketball.
“It was a return to our concepts and our free-flowing stuff,” Finch said. “We just have to commit to it.”
A Familiar Face Returns to Target Center
Monday also marked the return of Nickeil Alexander-Walker-this time in a different jersey. Once a fan favorite in Minnesota, Alexander-Walker was back as a leader for the Hawks, a team he’s only been with for a short time but has already made an impact on.
His journey with the Timberwolves was a blueprint for player development: from DNPs to a key rotation piece on back-to-back Western Conference Finals squads. The ovation he received from Wolves fans was a testament to the role he played in building something meaningful in Minnesota.
“He deserves all of the love that he is getting,” said Gobert, who played with Alexander-Walker in both Utah and Minnesota. “He got his opportunity, and I was there to witness it. I think he is still getting better every day, and I am happy that he got this opportunity.”
His absence has been felt. Alexander-Walker’s on-ball defense, spot-up shooting, and ability to fill gaps in the offense were invaluable-traits that aren’t easily replaced. But Minnesota might have found its answer in Ayo Dosunmu.
Ayo Dosunmu Making His Presence Known
Dosunmu, acquired recently by the Timberwolves, is already showing flashes of being that connective piece off the bench. In just his second game with the team, he dropped 21 points and brought a much-needed burst of pace and physicality.
He attacked the paint with confidence, switched seamlessly on defense, and brought a downhill mentality that this team has often relied solely on Anthony Edwards to provide. Pair him with Bones Hyland, who also brings a push-the-pace mindset, and the second unit is starting to carve out an identity.
“I think [running in transition] is one of my strengths, and I’m excited about that,” Dosunmu said. “The city has embraced me, and my teammates have done a great job of putting me in positions to succeed.”
While he acknowledged there’s still work to be done to fully acclimate, the early signs are promising. With another game and the All-Star break on deck, Dosunmu should have the time he needs to fully settle into his role.
What’s Next
The Timberwolves continue their homestand on Wednesday night with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers-their final game before the All-Star break. Portland’s been playing solid basketball of late, and All-Star Deni Avdija brings a foul-drawing style that could test a Minnesota defense known for its physicality. Staying disciplined will be key.
But if Monday night was any indication, the Wolves are back to playing their brand of basketball-unselfish, energetic, and connected. And that’s a version of this team that’s tough to beat.