Timberwolves’ Free Throw Woes and Late-Game Mistakes Result in Thanksgiving Eve Heartbreak Against Thunder
The Timberwolves experienced a frustrating setback on Thanksgiving Eve, falling 113-105 to the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder. Minnesota displayed resilience and determination against a team boasting an 18-1 record, yet it was the manner of their defeat that left Chris Finch’s squad feeling despondent. Here, we delve into five key takeaways from a game that echoed past struggles.
Late-Game Execution Fails Again
The Timberwolves entered this matchup with a recent history of faltering in critical moments. Just days prior, they squandered a ten-point lead in Sacramento with three minutes to go and an eight-point lead in Phoenix with less than a minute remaining. While they managed to maintain their lead against the Thunder, they encountered significant issues during the final stretch.
With the game tied at 101 and just over three minutes on the clock, turnovers from Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels on consecutive possessions hindered their momentum. The Wolves then went cold, missing three straight shots from the field. Adding to their woes, Rudy Gobert’s crucial trip to the free-throw line yielded no points, as he went 0-for-2. The situation worsened when Julius Randle was called for a five-second violation with just 27 seconds left, unable to inbound the ball while Minnesota was down by five and holding onto their last timeout. In their last three games, the Timberwolves have been outscored by a staggering -25 in clutch situations, raising concerns about their late-game poise.
Free Throw Disparity Proves Costly
One of the most glaring disparities in this contest lay at the free-throw line. The Timberwolves converted just 22 of their 37 attempts (59 percent), while the Thunder capitalized on 30 of 38 attempts (79 percent). This eight-point difference proved pivotal in a game decided by the same margin.
Gobert’s struggles were particularly pronounced; he missed critical free throws down the stretch, finishing the game at 3 of 8 from the line. Randle, who had been shooting 83 percent this season from the charity stripe, faltered with 4 of 7 on a night where he also struggled from the field, shooting just 2 for 13. Anthony Edwards, a fellow 83 percent shooter, managed 8 of 12. Other contributors like DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon, and Rob Dillingham each made just 1 of 2 attempts. Missing 15 free throws in a contest against a powerhouse like the Thunder is simply too steep a hill to climb.
Challenges Used Prematurely
Navigating the delicate strategy of when to utilize a coach’s challenge is a critical part of NBA coaching. Each team is allowed one challenge per game, with a potential second granted if the first is successful. However, using them too early can leave a coach without recourse when critical moments arise.
In the first quarter, Randle successfully prompted a challenge on a foul called against him, maintaining the score at 16-16. Shortly after, the Timberwolves challenged a loose-ball foul on Gobert, again finding success. However, this left them without challenges for nearly three quarters, during which time they encountered several situations where a review might have been beneficial.
Edwards sought a review for a potential blocked shot early in the third, but without a challenge available, the Wolves were left helpless. Later in the quarter, Naz Reid appeared to have made a clean block on an Isaiah Hartenstein shot attempt, yet a foul was called, and once again, Minnesota was unable to contest the decision.
The Timberwolves’ Thanksgiving Eve clash with the Thunder was a microcosm of their ongoing struggles—one that showcased their potential but ultimately highlighted the areas they must improve to compete with the league’s elite.
