How the T-Wolves Can Howl Their Way to the Championship
After dispatching the Los Angeles Lakers in just five games in the opening round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as one of the league’s most intriguing dark horse contenders. While they made it to the Western Conference Finals last season, this year’s team feels different, more confident, more cohesive, and more dangerous. Often overshadowed in the crowded Western Conference, the Wolves now command attention with a potent mix of elite defense, rising star power, and unselfish team play. Their performance against the Lakers wasn’t just dominant but a statement. As the postseason heats up, the question is no longer whether Minnesota can make a deep run, but whether they have what it takes to win it all. Let’s explain why this team has the tools to go the distance and what they must continue doing to make that possibility a reality.
Anthony Edwards’ Star Power
After dispatching the Los Angeles Lakers in just five games in the opening round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as one of the league’s most intriguing dark horse contenders. While they reached the Western Conference Finals last year, this version of the team feels different, more poised, more battle-tested, and most importantly, led by a bona fide superstar in Anthony Edwards. Ant-Man was electric against the Lakers, averaging around 27 points and just over six assists per game while playing strong perimeter defense. Most people were surprised at how thoroughly the Wolves dismantled L.A., but Edwards proved he’s on another level. He consistently took over games in crucial moments, including multiple fourth-quarter surges when Minnesota was trailing. Despite constant double teams, he continued to either beat defenders off the dribble or make the right play for his teammates. With Edwards leading the way, the Timberwolves look ready to make an even deeper run than last season and legitimately contend with top-tier Western teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Elite Depth
The elite depth and strong supporting cast surrounding Anthony Edwards make this Timberwolves team even more dangerous than last year’s version. In the starting lineup, they have veteran point guard Mike Conley, who brings a calming presence, elite decision-making, and keeps the offense organized. Jaden McDaniels has emerged as a two-way force. He was a monster against the Lakers, contributing key buckets while hounding opposing stars like Luka Doncic on the defensive end, a role he’ll need to continue in the next round. Julius Randle, who replaced Karl-Anthony Towns, was a questionable fit early on. Still, he’s found his groove alongside Ant, averaging nearly 20 points per game on efficient shooting and stretching the floor with his improved three-point shot. In the paint, Rudy Gobert had arguably his best playoff series in years, dominating the glass and anchoring the defense with authority. Beyond the starters, Minnesota's depth has become a significant strength. Players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Donte DiVincenzo, and Naz Reid can all shoot, defend, and seamlessly close games alongside the starters. This level of flexibility and firepower off the bench was missing last year, and it was on full display in their dismantling of the Lakers.
Elite Shooting Defensive Size
With all these pieces in place, the Timberwolves aren't just tough, they’re statistically elite. This season, they led the league in three-point shooting, averaging 16 made threes per game at an efficient 38% clip, the highest in the NBA. Nearly every player in their rotation, outside of Rudy Gobert, is at least an average or better shooter from deep, making them incredibly hard to guard. Anthony Edwards led the charge, attempting more threes per game than any other player in the league, and doing so with confidence and rhythm. What truly sets this team apart is that, despite their offensive firepower, they remain a defensive-first squad, something that’s been a defining trait over the past few seasons. On the perimeter, Edwards and McDaniels are relentless, physical defenders, while Gobert continues to protect the rim at an elite level, anchoring the paint with his size and timing. We saw their full defensive potential on display in the first round, where stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James were consistently frustrated and contained. The Wolves are also one of the biggest and most physically imposing teams left in the playoffs, overwhelming the Lakers on the glass and in the paint. Their size, shooting, and defensive intensity make them a complete and dangerous team built to contend right now.
The Timberwolves aren’t just a surprise playoff team but a legitimate championship contender. With Anthony Edwards emerging as a true superstar and a deep, versatile roster around him, Minnesota has the tools to compete with anyone. Their elite three-point shooting and suffocating defense make them one of the most balanced teams in the league. The way they dismantled the Lakers was a statement to the rest of the NBA. If they keep this up, a title run is well within reach.
