While the Pistons, the Wizards and the Spurs compete for nothing, the Wolves demonstrate impressive consistency. Number 1 in the Western Conference, and even in the NBA tied with the Celtics, Minnesota has the distinction of not having lost two games in a row this season. This is proof that the team has grown, capable of reacting after a defeat, and avoiding entering a negative spiral.
“We had talked about different ways to be more mature as a team and this was part of it”, explains Chris Finchabout this stat. “Last year we had headaches and hangovers after defeats, but this team is much more mature. This is just one more example.”
Greater maturity
For Naz Reid, one of the revelations of this season, “maturity” is the key to the Wolves season. “There is simply the seriousness of our work. Everyone takes their job very seriously. We are aware of the seriousness of a bad match and the consequences it can have. This is something we don't want, especially in the position we are in now. We are showing great maturity, and I think we can take it to the next level. »
The oldest player on the team, Karl-Anthony Towns is obviously well placed to talk about it. With the emergence of Anthony Edwards, and the arrival of Rudy Gobert, he changed his game, but also his priorities. It testifies to the change in mentality of his lifelong training.
Progress by 1% every day
“It’s an alliance of personalities in this locker room, everyone’s support for our ambitions and belief in what we are,” Towns believes. “Secondly, I think it’s experience and wisdom. The last two seasons we made the playoffs. … It's a different mindset when you're expecting to make the playoffs and you're giving yourself a chance. I see our team, the way we act, the way we approach these matches. It’s not just about winning matches, but finding that little 1% every day to improve.”
Chris Finch also has another proof of the maturity of his team: they take fewer technical faults. This is the sign of greater mastery.
“There is composure when you are at the bottom of the hole. We stay within the game plan, we stay within the system,” likes Finch. “We are a little less emotional on the pitch. Last year we led the league in technical fouls. This year we are much calmer. We focus more on our basketball and how we communicate with each other. »
