Spurs looking to get defense back on track against Timberwolves

Minnesota possesses arguably the most promising nucleus in the league – Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine are all 21 – but that boundless potential has translated into a disappointing 14-27 record.

Entering Tuesday’s game against the Spurs, the Timberwolves have just a 4.8 percent chance of qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2003-04, according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index.

But records account for little during the NBA’s dog days – proof: the Spurs just lost to the Suns – and the Timberwolves are atypically talented for a bottom feeder.

Before losing to Dallas on Sunday, Minnesota had reeled off three straight wins, the last two double-digit victories over the Rockets and Thunder.

Just before New Year’s Eve they ran roughshod over the same Bucks team that thwarted the Spurs at the AT&T Center last week.

“It’s just their athleticism, high energy and up-pace style,” said guard Patty Mills, who is expected to return against Minnesota after sitting out Saturday’s loss to Phoenix with a tight left calf. “I think looking after the ball, looking after the ball. They seem to turn you over and they’re off to the races, running downhill. Just trying to match their energy is going to be the biggest thing.”

The Timberwolves are overflowing with athleticism, but they are very much adherents of coach Tom Thibodeau’s deliberate style. They rank 25th in pace (96.63) and 17th in fast-break points (12.5).

The Spurs’ 105-91 win over Minnesota on Dec. 6 was played at an exceptionally plodding pace (92.14).

Hounded by Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green throughout the night, Wiggins finished with 11 points on 5 of 12. Towns’ evening was even more nightmarish – he missed 13 of 16 shots, the worst shooting night of his NBA career.

The duo managed only three points on 1 of 3 shooting in the pivotal third quarter as the Spurs flipped a three-point halftime deficit into an eight-point cushion.

“I thought we got off to a good start but couldn’t maintain it,” Thibodeau said after the defeat. “The thing I respect is (the Spurs) play their game, no matter what.”

Minnesota might be able to give the Spurs fits tonight if it sticks to its game. Thibodeau’s squad collects 27.7 percent of available offense rebounds and averages 14 second-chance points, both top-four marks.

Towns and Gorgui Dieng average a combined 5.8 offensive rebounds per contest. Three others average at least one.

Protecting the glass will be paramount – give Towns, Wiggins and LaVine extra opportunities to score and chances are they’ll find a way to get the ball in the bucket. 

After being torched by Suns sensation Devin Booker (39 points) and Bucks journeyman Michael Beasley (28) in losses last week, the Spurs could use a confidence boost defensively before saddling up for Saturday's meeting with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

“We are looking at Minnesota right now and tomorrow,” guard Danny Green said Monday following practice. “But every game is a fun one. Every game is a challenge. Saturday will be a fun one just like tomorrow night will be a fun one. It's a chance to get better and evaluate where we are at this point in the season and fix the things that need to get fixed defensively.”