NBA Power Rankings week 14: OKC Thunder among the ‘road warriors’

Minnesota Timberwolves:

Offense: (106.1) 22nd
Defense: (109.6) tied 16th
Net: (minus -3.4) 24th

Results Week 14: (0-4) Lost vs. Nuggets: 100-107, Bulls: 110-117, Rockets: 117-124, Thunder:104-113
Games Week 15: (2 games) Mon vs. Kings | Sat at Clippers
 

When your star puts up 40 points and you still lose there are bigger problems than others helping offensively. T.I. has noted this repeatedly in this space but the fact is the Wolves improved immediately on offense with Karl-Anthony Towns in the rotation —- but their defense equally suffers. The question is whether that’s a case of KAT not being a good defender OR is it a matter of the effort he gives on that side of the floor.

With so many gifts and physical ability it seems likes it’s the latter. And for his teammates that has to be hard because the increased stress it puts on them to cover up for the big man while he feasts on the offensive end can’t be enjoyable.

That could be the simple answer to why this club has only made one postseason appearance during his tenure and if we’re honest that had more to do with Jimmy Butler than Towns.

The Wolves were swept this week with their worst effort coming against the injury-riddled OKC Thunder. Entering the match it felt like this should be a gimme win for Minny with KAT back and although Steven Adams suited up it was clear he was far from 100 percent. Instead, the Wolves folded like a cheap suit and it only served to highlight the issues in Minnesota lie on the defensive end of the court.

Rumors are KAT wants the team to go out and add D’Angelo Russell — but if they appease their superstar are they also making the situation worse because the likelihood is Robert Covington would be part of that trade.