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Terminology confusion an obstacle for new Wolves to overcome

The Timberwolves have repeatedly said that communication is a work in progress as they come together as a new group.

But that can sometimes be vague, and players or coaches don't often delve into specifics of what that can mean. Veteran James Johnson offered an illuminating peak behind the curtain following Sunday's 111-91 loss to the Mavericks at Target Center.

Johnson used an example of the word "black," a term the Wolves use on defense. They use it to signal a switch on screens. Johnson's former team, Miami, also used "black" to play "flat" on a screen — that means the defender on the ball will have to fight through the screen to stay on his man and they won't switch.