The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a bad defensive team for the vast majority of Tom Thibodeau’s two-plus seasons at the helm. In fact, save for a modest mid-season stretch last year, they’ve been downright terrible.
This year wasn’t much different, holding exactly one opponent below 110 points in the first 14 games of the season.
Enter Robert Covington and Dario Saric.
Since the two former Philadelphia 76ers entered the rotation on Nov. 14 against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Wolves have held six consecutive opponents to 103 points or less. And it’s no accident.