The Timberwolves have prided themselves on how they perform on the defensive end. Since acquiring Rudy Gobert, they have finished in the top ten in defensive rating each of his first three seasons (including first in 2023-24). Last season, their 110.8 defensive rating ranked sixth.
After Minnesota uncharacteristically struggled on that end of the court to begin the season, they are looking back to their normal selves on that end. The change really began with the flip of the calendar to November.
Timberwolves' defensive woes seem to be a thing of the past
On Monday, the Timberwolves defeated the Mavericks 120-96 to improve their record to 9-5.