Timberwolves defense goes from improving to stingy

Published

When Tom Thibodeau was hired as head coach and president of basketball operations in April 2016, he brought his no-nonsense style and hard-nosed defensive scheme to Minnesota.

Twenty-one months later, his defensive plans are beginning to flourish on the court.

The Timberwolves have held six straight opponents to under 100 points, dating back to their 107-90 victory over Indiana on New Year’s Eve. Only the Boston Celtics have had a longer streak this season when they held eight straight opponents to double digits from Oct. 20-Nov. 5.




















































































And it’s not like the Timberwolves have had a cupcake schedule the past few weeks, either. Four of their last six opponents would make the playoffs if the season ended Wednesday, including Cleveland and Boston, both top-three teams in the Eastern Conference.



On the season, Minnesota allows 105.0 points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. That’s much improved from its 18th-place finish last season and 23rd in 2015-16.

NOTABLE

-- The Timberwolves and Thunder have both led 26 games at halftime, tied for second in the NBA. Minnesota is 20-6 in those games, while OKC is 19-7.

-- Minnesota has seen at least five players score 10+ points in 33 games this year, good for the league lead.

-- The Thunder lost 117-106 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. They are 4-3 in the second game of a back-to-back this season.

-- Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 28.1 points and 11.9 rebounds in his last seven games against the Thunder.

Statistics courtesy STATS