The Timberwolves went about as far as they were expected to go in the playoffs, before losing to the Thunder, who more games this regular season than anyone in the league. Minnesota deserves praise. They only lasted five games in the Western Conference Finals, But they were up against the squad that looks like the clear title favorite.
Still, getting bounced from the playoffs is always tough.
Via the Star Tribune:
Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo said a series like the one Minnesota just endured “gives you perspective that you’re not far off and you’re right there. We just have to be ready to try to get another bite at the apple.”
Was that a bite? It felt more like a nibble. Like, Minnesota tasted a smidge of the peel and thought maybe there was a drop of juice on there. That’s not to belittle this year’s team. Minnesota did post a net rating of plus-5.0, just below the title-winning threshold. Post Jan. 1, that number was plus-7.0.
A year ago, the Wolves were plus-6.3. That’s title-contending stuff. And Minnesota certainly looked like more of a championship-caliber team last season, armed with its top-tier defense. That felt more like a legitimate bite, like a crack at the crown that just didn’t go the Wolves’ way for matchup and injury reasons.
This did not. A few things lined up in the Wolves’ favor by season’s end, and it simply didn’t matter. It rarely will when you simply aren’t in the same caliber as the conference’s top contender.
