If the Wolves are what TV analyst Jim Petersen thinks they are they better wake up before it’s too late. Petersen, who provides analysis during Wolves games on Fox Sports North, tweeted that the Wolves are a sleeping giant, referencing how dominant they’ve been in every quarter but the third.
While the @Timberwolves have a 3-6 record and have underperformed…quarter by quarter net rating says they are a sleeping giant. pic.twitter.com/0YTmaiUWHr
— Jim Petersen (@JimPeteHoops) November 15, 2016
Unfortunately, the third quarter bit them in the butt again in Tuesday’s 115-108 home loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Minnesota led by 12 at the half only to get outscored 36-17 in the third – the third time this season they’ve been blasted by 19 points in that cursed quarter.
“It’s decision making. It’s what we’re choosing to do and not do,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “It’s shot selection, turnovers, defense, rebounding. We’ve got the whole gamut covered. We’ve got to straighten it out and we’ve gotta straighten it out fast.”
The Wolves are 3-7 and fading fast in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Making matters worse is that four of the next six games are on the road, including tough opponents in the Grizzlies and Warriors.
Blame youth? The Wolves are just the fifth team since 1999-00 to start three players 21 years old or younger, according to AWolfAmongWolves.
But Thibs doesn’t care: “We can use youth for an excuse forever but your opponent doesn’t care that you’re young.”
Rubio: "This is the best team I've ever been around. I get mad thinking that we're wasting time. We're not learning. it's time to change"
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) November 16, 2016
“I knew there would be bumps in the road. I want to see progress. I want to see the commitment to improve. I want to see guys learning,” Thibs added. “You’re challenged every game, every day in this league – and you have to bring it every day. That’s part of your job. And playing like that is not acceptable.”
The next chance to show progress is on national TV (TNT) Thursday against the 76ers.
