This season, Timberwolves opponents have taken to a tactic of guarding center Karl-Anthony Towns with a smaller power forward and bringing help, often from the five who is guarding Jarred Vanderbilt.
This trend started last season with Utah, so much that Wolves coach Chris Finch says the staff refers to it as the "Utah defense."
The Utah defense and offense swept the Wolves away in the second half of a 136-104 Wolves loss Wednesday night at Target Center, their fourth consecutive. Donovan Mitchell bullied the Wolves' improved defense for 36 points. December was going to be a tough stretch of the Wolves' schedule with several teams .