Are the Timberwolves dead?
After the first 2 matchups of the Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves seem to be in a pretty tough spot.
Bryce Fry
5/23/20252 min read
Are the Wolves dead?
Based on the first two not-so-exciting matchups, it’s easy to say that the Timberwolves are skating on thin ice for the remainder of this Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated, yet again, in front of their home fans in Paycom Center to capitalize on a 2-0 lead prior to heading to Minnesota.
To say that the Timberwolves are dead is still a little premature, but they’re getting close to the nail being hammered in the coffin. Anthony Edwards did what was needed from him, which was taking his game up a notch from his mediocre showing in Game 1. Last night, Ant put up 32pts and had 9 boards, so he had a decent night for himself. The fact of the matter is that Anthony Edwards is the least of Minnesota’s problems.
The main problems are:
1) Julius Randle decided not to show up and be the co-pilot that we thought he was, as he put up a very underwhelming 6pts and 5reb.
2) Rudy Gobert makes an average of $36.5MM/yr (and is currently making $43.8MM as of the 2024-2025 season) and does basically nothing for Minnesota. In Game 1, Gobert put up 2pts and 3reb. In Game 2, he finished with 5pts and 9reb. Rudy Gobert is currently the 16th highest paid player per year in the NBA. To say that he isn’t playing up to his contract would be a major understatement. The dude stinks.
3) Along with Randle and Gobert not helping out Ant, you can essentially go down the roster and say the same for just about everyone on it. Jaden McDaniels had a decent Game 2, but if Jaden McDaniels is your #2 in the Western Conference Finals of the NBA, you’re in trouble. No offense, Jaden, I’m sure you’re a great guy.
My honest opinion, the Wolves are dead in the water and would be lucky if OKC doesn’t sweep them. As a genuine fan of Anthony Edwards, I hope that these next 2 matchups in Minnesota give the Wolves a little more juice and they can bounce back, turn this bad boy around and make a series out of this. I’ll stay hopeful, just for the sake of being able to watch good hoops.