Hollinger: Young Timberwolves are on schedule, but not yet at final destination
New York TimesMINNEAPOLIS — Here’s the thing about Minneapolis: At first, it seems starkly empty for the downtown of a major metropolis. All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t make a field goal in the first half, fouled out with nine minutes left and finished a minus-14 in 24 mostly confused and frustrated minutes. Naz Reid hit a crucial 3 after Towns fouled out, Jaden McDaniels contributed solid defense on Paul George and, of course, Patrick Beverley did PatBev things right up until the end — including a decisive pick of Reggie Jackson’s dribble in the final minute to seal the game. “Right where we supposed to be,” was what Russell said, repeatedly, to nobody in particular as he walked off the court through the tunnel to Minnesota’s locker room, and that might be an apt description of a team that is on schedule … but not yet at its destination. Their only recent postseason entry in the 18 years since fell apart just as suddenly, as Jimmy Butler pushed his way out and a disbelieving Tom Thibodeau wasn’t cut out for running a front office.
Discover Related
