The Minnesota Timberwolves have fallen 0-2 to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. They have an uphill battle right now, however, they've kept both games extremely close. Despite that, the team needs to make some adjustments, and head coach Chris Finch reveals exactly what Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns need to do to turn things around.
One of the main issues right now is how poor Edwards and Towns have played within two-point range, according to Timberwolves beat writer, Dane Moore. Chris Finch lays down exactly what both star players must do to improve. Anthony Edwards must make better decisions while Karl-Anthony Towns must slow down and let the game come to him.
“Karl-Anthony Towns (7/22) and Anthony Edwards (4/14) are a combined 11/36 from 2-point range thus far in this series. Asked Chris Finch what is leading to their ineffectiveness within the arc: ‘I think with Anthony, he's gotta pick up his decision-making. I think Kyrie is actually a good example – he's playing quick off the catch, he's trying to beat our defensive pressure with everything on the catch, going quickly. With KAT I think he's just got to calm down. I think he's coming out of the gate pressing a little bit, maybe getting off on the wrong foot and then chasing the game. He got some good looks that didn't go down. I thought there was a stretch when they came back into the game, we had a lot of really good looks that didn't go down, either at the rim or some open 3s.'”
There were a couple of bad turnovers from Anthony Edwards in Game 2. One of which gave the Mavericks the opportunity for Luka Doncic to hit a dagger three for the lead. Additionally, there were some easy shots the Timberwolves missed as well, especially right at the bucket. Cleaning up in those two areas could be the difference-maker for Minnesota to at least tie up the series again.
Timberwolves chances to win series over Mavericks
The Timberwolves are in a rough spot heading into Game 3 against the Mavericks. They're down two games and now Dallas owns the home-court advantage. Minnesota has to start winning games if they hope to advance to the NBA Finals. But as of right now, that is looking a bit bleak. Especially if they lose Game 3.
That means the next contest is a must-win game. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in the playoffs. The Mavericks will have the pleasure of playing in front of their home crowd. But it's important to note that the Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets in Denver often. So, it's not like winning road games is a new thing for this Minnesota team.
Look for Anthony Edwards to come hot out of the gate in Game 3. He has to be at his best for the Timberwolves to have a chance. Additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns needs to start hitting those easy buckets. If the supporting cast can remain hot then this team will have a chance to at least earn a win in this series.
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