When Tom Thibodeau was hired as head coach and president of basketball operations in April 2016, he brought his no-nonsense style and hard-nosed defensive scheme to Minnesota.
Twenty-one months later, his defensive plans are beginning to flourish on the court.
The Timberwolves have held six straight opponents to under 100 points, dating back to their 107-90 victory over Indiana on New Year’s Eve. Only the Boston Celtics have had a longer streak this season when they held eight straight opponents to double digits from Oct. 20-Nov. 5.
| TEAM | STREAK | START-END |
| Boston Celtics | 8 | 10/20/2017 – 11/05/2017 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 6 | 12/31/2017 – ACTIVE |
| Washington Wizards | 5 | 11/09/2017 – 11/17/2017 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 5 | 11/13/2017 – 11/20/2017 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 4 | 11/10/2017 – 11/15/2017 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 4 | 11/29/2017 – 12/04/2017 |
And it’s not like the Timberwolves have had a cupcake schedule the past few weeks, either. Four of their last six opponents would make the playoffs if the season ended Wednesday, including Cleveland and Boston, both top-three teams in the Eastern Conference.
More Timberwolves coverage
On the season, Minnesota allows 105.0 points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. That’s much improved from its 18th-place finish last season and 23rd in 2015-16.
NOTABLE
— The Timberwolves and Thunder have both led 26 games at halftime, tied for second in the NBA. Minnesota is 20-6 in those games, while OKC is 19-7.
— Minnesota has seen at least five players score 10+ points in 33 games this year, good for the league lead.
— The Thunder lost 117-106 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. They are 4-3 in the second game of a back-to-back this season.
— Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 28.1 points and 11.9 rebounds in his last seven games against the Thunder.
Statistics courtesy STATS
When Tom Thibodeau was hired as head coach and president of basketball operations in April 2016, he brought his no-nonsense style and hard-nosed defensive scheme to Minnesota.
Twenty-one months later, his defensive plans are beginning to flourish on the court.
The Timberwolves have held six straight opponents to under 100 points, dating back to their 107-90 victory over Indiana on New Year’s Eve. Only the Boston Celtics have had a longer streak this season when they held eight straight opponents to double digits from Oct. 20-Nov. 5.
| TEAM | STREAK | START-END |
| Boston Celtics | 8 | 10/20/2017 – 11/05/2017 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 6 | 12/31/2017 – ACTIVE |
| Washington Wizards | 5 | 11/09/2017 – 11/17/2017 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 5 | 11/13/2017 – 11/20/2017 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 4 | 11/10/2017 – 11/15/2017 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 4 | 11/29/2017 – 12/04/2017 |
And it’s not like the Timberwolves have had a cupcake schedule the past few weeks, either. Four of their last six opponents would make the playoffs if the season ended Wednesday, including Cleveland and Boston, both top-three teams in the Eastern Conference.
More Timberwolves coverage
On the season, Minnesota allows 105.0 points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. That’s much improved from its 18th-place finish last season and 23rd in 2015-16.
NOTABLE
— The Timberwolves and Thunder have both led 26 games at halftime, tied for second in the NBA. Minnesota is 20-6 in those games, while OKC is 19-7.
— Minnesota has seen at least five players score 10+ points in 33 games this year, good for the league lead.
— The Thunder lost 117-106 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. They are 4-3 in the second game of a back-to-back this season.
— Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 28.1 points and 11.9 rebounds in his last seven games against the Thunder.
Statistics courtesy STATS
