Keys to the game.
The Timberwolves rely on the 3-point line and the free throw line as a big part of their offense. They are second in the league for free throws attempted (26.7) and fourth in free throws made (20.1) per game. Likewise, they are fourth in the NBA for 3-point shots attempted (39.4), and ninth in 3-point shots made (12.7).
This is where the Timberwolves are vulnerable. They are 27th in the NBA in 3-point percentage; this means that they are shooting without remorse. Couple this with the third-best perimeter defense and the Thunder are in with a good shot.
Likewise, with free throws, the Thunder rank eighth in the league for personal fouls committed with 22.6 per game. This means that they are the fourth-best in the NBA for free throws against with 20.3 per game.
The other key area is keeping the Timberwolves off the boards. They are third in the league for total rebounds, with 48.5 per game. A healthy Steven Adams is going to have a huge impact in this area. Teams have been sending two and three players to Adams to negate his impact on the boards. If he can limit Towns impact on the boards then this is a win.
Andrew Wiggins is on pace for career highs in:
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 2, 2019
— Scoring
— Field-Goal Percentage
— Rebounds
— Assists
The new-look Wolves' star opens up about silencing his doubters this year: https://t.co/nQ9WrpCrJN pic.twitter.com/mypN2emQZc
The key matchup for the game is on the wing. Wiggins has always loved playing against the Thunder and now that the Timberwolves are running the offense through him he will be harder to stop. Terrance Ferguson has been stepping up and has been successfully defending the best opposition wing all year. The winner of this duel will influence the decision of the game.