The Timberwolves have been one of NBA history's best defenses this season, turning them into a championship contender.
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The first 5 minutes breakdown of Minnesota's perimeter defenders is the devastating argument against people saying the Wolves this year are just the Jazz 2.0 from 2021.
Anyone comparing the 2 just isn’t watching!
@@HoopVenue You just offended Deadspin.
What was so bad about jazz 2021? I didn’t watch NBA at that time, I know they had Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, what makes them so bad?
@@hughjass4380jazz sucked fuckin ass on the perimeter D. It compares nothing to this wolves squad.
@hughjass4380 Rudy was the only one playing defense and was winning DPOY awards but his teammates didn't put in much effort to help him. It left Rudy exposed because he had zero help on the perimeter. He was 1 man trying to guard 5.
Video is aging like fine wine, great analysis!
This video is aging really well.
Somehow with the game shifting more towards offense all around with 150 pt games, defense still reigns supreme. That's why Twolves are on top right now.
The bar for what a good defense is has changed drastically, but the fact still remains that a top defense will lead you places.
Aks what's more crazy, wolves have held 16 teams to under 100 points a game.
Something I’ve been saying is that these versatile 2 big lineups are the next big thing in the league and they’re having some success too. The first blueprint was Giannis-Lopez, but we’ve also seen it with Williams-Horford, Mobley-Allen, hell I’d throw Gordon-Jokic and Zion-Valenciunas(sp?) in there, and of course KAT-Gobert now is proving to reign king among these pairings where Giannis-Lopez used to. In most of those cases you have one big who’s more rim focused in drop and being a paint anchor (Lopez, Allen, Horford, Jokic) and one who’s the more switchable one and more of a roamer off of a weak shooter (Giannis, Mobley, Williams, Gordon) while you also have at least one on offense being the more capable shooter, one who’s more of the roll man/paint guy, and either having at least some shot creation tools or is an outright shot creator. Also, with Zion’s defensive improvement as this season’s gone on, he could join that bona fide roamer category which could serve to further boost Valenciunas’s underrated if not spectacular drop proficiency. KAT and Gobert (and Reid when he’s in with either) have a unique ability to be able to perform both roles at very high levels, Gobert obviously doing either the best of the bunch but all are capable in either role. Edit: Also I’m fully aware the C’s configuration is now Porzingis-Horford but KP has basically taken Rob’s role except now he’s even more of the shooter and even more of the handler than Horford
Supreme? No team is winning with a bad offense. Being the best overall team is supreme.
Cuz defense always has and always will WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS. It's the Essence of American sports. Denver built a good model for the new Big era but Minnesota has definitely moved in to the next level. And they're young and deep enough to stay around for a while. It's exciting to watch.
Also the Jazz had nowhere the rotation of perimeter defenders that the timberwolves do
Not even remotely close, Rudy's finally got some help.
but mike conley wasnt that good in Utah, i find him way more aware and useful to the wolves than he has been for the Jazz @@HoopVenue
I love these videos from people around the country who are likely not Wolves fans, just good basketball fans.
One of the best defensive breakdowns I've seen on this platform, great reads and writing, keep it up!
big 3 of goated basketball yt channels Hoop venue Thinking Basketball B-ball breakdown
Thank you!!
jimmyhighroller too
@@tristanharris8440 he talks other things in basketball
Alex hoops and thekidshere are also good
agreed
FIRE VIDEO! Thank you for actually breaking this down and showing examples of the defense. Also starting the video just highlighting the perimeter defenders with no mention of Gobert was great. And as a side note, as someone who watched every t-wolves game last year, and every one so far this year, Gobert is playing 5x better this year. He looks healthy, comfortable in the system, and has been DOMINATING. This might be his best year of his career. But you would not know that just looking at box scores and highlights on KZhead.
i really love the content man. showing love to players that don’t get it. i wish you could’ve highlighted KATS defensive presence as well. such a sneakily good shot blocker
you and @thinking basketball are the goats
He’s the GOAT!
FACTS💯
That's some Facts right there. Great analysis with limited bias. Very rare these days
The Wolves might be the toughest match up for the Nuggets, the way they use their bigs to contain our paint points makes things hard for us. They create problems for Murray and our two man game. They can shut down any offense. It's not impossible that the Wolves could sneak away with a ring this year.
It's going to be comedic seeing what happens to Minnesota in the playoffs. Trust me.
@@jeffreyriley8742bro Bruce brown from the last years nuggets team said out of everyone including Miami who the faced in the finals the wolves were their hardest match up it’s out there just search it up. And the didn’t even have McDaniels and naz that series just sayin lol 😅
@@jeffreyriley8742 I doubt that. They're rivals to my team. I watch the games and I'm being objective from what I've saw and not just coming from a place of s*** talking and fan bias. Those two things are all in good fun, so I appreciate your comment, but I don't think that's how it's going to play out. Although, the Wolves do have trouble scoring when it's needed at times. If they lose in the first round all the better for my squad. None of us know how it's going to play out though, literally nobody knows lol
@@jadedlynx I promise you that come playoff time.
@@World_core Not saying they won't win a series but they won't win more than that.
The Wolves are doing what the 2020 Lakers did. 2 bigs and a lotta emphasis on switching and defense. Would be great to see this team win a championship this year or somewhere down the line. They have generational talent in Ant Kat and Rudy. Plus the role players they have are great not to mention the great coaching staff too.
Very very good comparison.
Exactly! Newer generation people, Idc if you realize or not, but DEFENSE WINS GAMES!
That’s the formula for an elite defense in today’s NBA
I stop what I'm doing every time I see an upload from this channel. Every video shows me something new about the game. Great video as always!
That means a lot, thank you!
I have been a MN fan for a long time and we have suffered through some horrid defensive units over the years. It is so nice to watch this squad, they work so well together. The help defense is what really does it. No one can defend alone for a whole game, but the wolves really clog passing lanes, hedge screens, and smother the point of attack so well as one unit.
No one. Defense is a team concept. This is what others don't get.
One thing about slo-mo is that players think he is a mismatch and then they get the ball stripped
Everytime!!! 😂😂😂
I had heard Utah fans talking about Rudy's presence, but it's another thing when you see it game after game. He's an extremely cerebral player and it's amazing to watch all the little things he does that don't show up in the box score, but are extremely impactful to winning
Perfectly said
One of the best breakdowns I’ve seen of the Wolves defense. As a Wolves fan, couldn’t have broke it down better myself. Great video
Jaden McDaniels & Rudy Gobert INSANE DEFENSE 💪🔥💪
W wolves content
Yessir!
love the vids, glad the twolves newer squad is working, didn't know how to feel at the time of the trade but it payin off fs.
I loved the trade from day one, was just a year early!
@@HoopVenueWow credit to you for going against the grain back then cause everyone was clowning and calling it a bad trade
@@wemakecookie I made a video on the team and predicted them to be a top 2 seed before last season!
@@HoopVenue 🙌🙌
One of the best breakdowns I've seen, great job!
Good to see something that resembles olskool
Bucks have been doing that for years with Brook Lopez and Giannis. Lopez is 7'1 and Giannis is 6'11. The reason it works and this works is that Lopez/KAT are good 3 point shooters. If they can't shoot 3s you'd have the same issue that Cavs are having with Jarret Allen and Evan Mobley.
It was a great analysis. We appreciate you're work.
Watching a good defense is sometimes as satisfying as watching a good offense! Glad I’m a wolves fan. Good analysis and video!
Awesome breakdown. Thanks for actually showing the wolves love 👏🏼🐺
I sure hope they can do something with this squad. I've been following them since the beginning and there hasn't been much hope over the years. Garnett years were the last time we had a chance, but he couldn't do much on his own...
I loved this video and it has made my lunch much more pleasant Thank you ♥ I love the Wolves this year. DEFENSE IS WHERE IT'S AT!!! You broke down their players and their players' strengths so well. Have a nice one ^_^ Rudy for DPOY btw
Great video guy! Subscribed!
You made me more excited for my twolves then I already was
Great analysis! Defense travels well. Let's hope it leads them to the title!
As the nba is turning into just only “offense”, some teams do have to play heavy defense. T wolves are one of them. I highly respect other teams but t wolves definitely showed what 2000s basketball is supposed to be and it still should be played that way. There are to many FT calls, high scoring games. Even though I am newer genaration of people, I like balanced games where there is defense and offense unlike the all star game couple days ago. I am really proud of Chris finch and the staff to bring the original basketball back. Thanks coach Finch.❤
Who is here after the Wolves teared up theirs Chicken Nuggets twice in a row? By the way an excellent breakdown...
Sad as a Jazz fan that we had to lose NAW in the trade last year, Conley too, all for a pick that might not convey.
Finally someone fave McDaniels the respect he deserves. Bro spent the first half of the video detailing his defense!
The NBA is terrified of any defense.
I hope they really have a meaningful playoff push this year cause their team chemistry on defense is really insane. I guess their weakness is their ability to score all revolving around Ant more than Kat
Finally, we dominate the “ D-Side “ 🎉🎉😅🎉
Really hoping this video wakes up some of the people who are still holding on the idea that Rudy will "get exposed in the playoffs by teams that go small"
Flawless analysis!
We run this league. Y'all just playing in it.
Gobert has made such an impact on this team’s effort. Every single player is playing aggressive defense. Now, if our coach could figure out better defensive coaching consistently, they’d be insane
Best analogy of the Wolves defense I have ever seen.
That help.defense from Jaden to stop the Trae drive and recover to contest, is the epitome of Wolves' defense. They switch, help, and contest EVERYTHING. And rarely, there are any mismatches.
This defense is so wild that he starts talking about Gobert at 7:15 ... By the way, can someone explain to me how McDaniels isn't on the Olympic "shortlist"?
Been q T-WOLVES fan since we got em and ive been miserable 😖 depressed but now its a breath of fresh air its defense is not a joke and its Rudy trade is now working amd its scary 😧
great review
@hoop venue bro can you make another Anthony edwards video about how he’s playing recently? 🐜🐺
Great analysis. Mint.
Great video. You keep mentioning how Minnesota's defense forces teams to live in the mid range, which makes your recent video come to mind- booker and the Phoenix Suns are a team who can dominate in the mid range better than probably any team in the league so that would be an interesting match up if it happens and also i think this match up effects Minnesota's championships chances cause the suns might be the only team who can generate decent offence against them
Brings a tear to my eye
What impresses me most about the wolves is how everyone on the team is fully invested in help defense. Sure with mcdaniels and edwards and then gobert they can match up one on one with just about any superstar the league has to offer but what makes their defense so good is how well they play help defense. Teams are smart enough to set up actions to bait switches for matchups or to in any way get the defender at a disadvantage when they can matchup one on one with a superstar but you can’t just simply do that to beat the wolves because everyone on the team has bought in to help defense and they rotate defensively better than anyone in the league
Wolves fan here. It’s a breath of fresh air to see someone ACTUALLY watch Wolves film to break down their conversation points rather than just make lazy takes, (take notes, Deadspin).
If the Wolves can run more consistent offense & get good shots late in games they can contend this yr. The more Ant trusts the pass & guys knockdown open shots we are a PROBLEM!
Quality content
the actual genuine happiness that is beaming off of me from this video and the comments. this shit means something to ME! 🤣
👍👍Listener from Minneaota
This is so exciting for us Timberwolves fans. I'm 32 and have never seen a wolves team like this. I can't wait to see them in the playoffs. I'm not guaranteeing anything but I'd think this is their best chance at a finals appearance in the franchises history
The only ways I can see to truly beat them is to play with 5 shooters on the court or have a good/great midrange scorer that can take advantage of what they give up
Jaden McDaniels is my favorite Defense player. Amazing
Thanks Hoop venue for exposing wolves and the refs. 12 mins of fouls n no calls
You think there gonna call more fouls in the playoffs??? Are you autistic?
Like why do you think embiid shits his pants in the playoffs
I wanna see a Suns vs Wolves game. I want to know if they could successfully guard Booker especially now that he have Durant and Beal
there's a clear reason the wolves have the number 1 defense being anchored by a future 4 time dpoy winner. Not to mention our insane rotation of perimeter defenders
And 2 months later after posting this content, the playoffs are terrified of this defense. Wolves 2024 season even if they finally get stopped by Denver is gonna be looked back on with some high respect. Team wingspan with team effort with correct spacing and switching and positioning. and now that is running high level 5 games in the playoffs..
Love it. Pulling for Rudy
A nightmare for ANY team in the playoffs💯
Here after wolves 2-0 nuggets
Geeat video, but it's funny that KAT basically wasnt mentioned in terms of contributing to their defensive success the entire video 🤣
Title goes hard
truly the only way to beat this Wolves defense is by having super efficient mid range scoring. that has been when we had trouble, such as with the Suns, Clippers, Pelicans, etc. beyond that you can only hope you get hot at the 3pt, or you will end up losing bad with the versatility the Wolves also have on offense.
The timberwolves are special. And none of the big sport networks talk about them. They only talk about the teams the Timberwolves dominated. Keep sleeping on the Wolves.
As a wolves fan who watches every game, NAW is definitely the best defender on the team. He has extremely quick hands, rarely fouls, and is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and gets around screens so easily whereas mcdaniels fouls frequently and is bigger so he’s caught up in screens more.
Rudy
rudy, jalen, then naw then ant
@@MalikSanneh i love jaden but he is a very overrated defender and usually does more harm then good
Ant-Man = MJs son Jaden McD = Scottie Pip
Minnesota definitely has better perimeter defenders than the Jazz, and it went well against the Clippers, but I need to see a Gobert-anchored defense be able to still win against small ball over a playoff series for me to believe in the timberwolves
Bro imagine if Tony allen was on this team ain't nobody scoring fr and this would be one of the best defense teams ever made
I feel like Rudy Gobert is like the Yadier Molina of basketball, Yadier Molina doesn’t have the most caught stealings of any catcher bc he’s so good at throwing people out that they just don’t try. Same thing applies to Rudy, he’s so good at protecting the rim that people stop trying so he doesn’t have as many blocks as you would expect
I think it’s 107 points per 100 possessions actually!
Folks just don't realize how good this defense is. Love the focus on Naz. I watched the dude matched on Curry on the perimeter live last year and realized this team is going to be terrifying this year. I didn't know NAW was so good defensively though. Dude just harasses everyone.
Wolves back!
Nice analysis, but to not mention anything about KAT's evolution as a defender is an oversight. In past years KAT would hunt blocks and foul way too often. This year he's doing well to get in position and defending vertically without swinging his arms down. He's certainly not elite like Rudy (who you rightly praise), but his improvement is another big reason the Wolves aren't complete trash on D when Rudy sits.
Kat has the 2nd highest defensive rating only behind his dawg Rudy
Jaden McDaniels made the Minnesota T-Wolves comfortable trading Jarred Vanderbilt. 👍
Unpopular opinion, defense is better now than it was in the 90s and 80s, just offensive players nowadays have more of a bag which makes it harder to defend. A good defender now is just as a good as TOP defender back in the day. Defenders nowadays are guarding more completely players, have to worry about more moves, and have to go up against 6'8+ players who move like point guards. Old heads gone scream bloody marry, but you tell me if it's harder to guard a crossover and jump shot all game long, or if it's harder to guard Kyrie Irving (referring to multiple moves and all around offense)
Jaden McDaniels is genuinely only missing iq with using his fouls away from being the leagues best perimeter defender
As the NBA seems to be getting away from favoring offense, the league is in deep trouble. I can see this team winning at least 2 rings before Conley retires. And im not trying to be funny or being a fanatic.
I’ll have to see this in the playoffs in a 7 game series . I think the Nuggets , clippers and suns can expose there defense. They have the offense too. And nuggets got jokic
Crazy how Embiid literally tore apart this defense
This video is going to be so so sweet to come back and watch after Jokic trashes Gobert/KAT in the playoffs again
I count myself lucky that Zion does well against Gobert which really breaks their defense down. Pelicans are one of the only matchups the Wolves need to be scared of.
Wolves fans know that the one team that poses the biggest threat is the Pelicans. BI is happy to settle with midrangers and Jaden can't defend Zion.
Absolutely. They have the physicality and size to match us
Jaden doesn’t defend Zion…
New to NBA, but doesn't the game get more defensive in the Playoffs? The refs call less fouls , thus it more beneficial to aggressive/defensive teams ?
Im 🙏🏼 🐺wolves players always healthy 💙
The Timberwolves have led the Western Conference since the start of the season and are an exciting team to watch. Yet they have not had one game on ABC prime time television. Every week it's the same thing, Lakers, Knicks, Golden State, Clippers, 76ers, Celtics. I know Minnesota is a small market but so is Milwaukee and the Bucks get a few prime time games. I'm so sick of the NBA's bias against the Wolves. I know when they get to the playoffs that not only will they have to beat their opponent they'll have to beat the ref's as well because the NBA doesn't want them to go deep into the playoffs.
Anthony Edwards will win the first championship for MN. I pray I get to witness a championship once in MN.. 🙏❤️
The west is so tuff my god
Thunder wolves nuggets clippers all could beat any east team
"But but.... Utah Jazz from like 5 years ago??" NBA media.
Despite the offensive explosion in the league today, do you believe that defense still wins championships and can you win a chip with at least a top 10 defense 🤔?
What happened to the old heads that claim there’s no defence in today’s game 🤔👀
Were did all the gobear haters now ball huggers
Denver going b2b. True or false?
Gobert and JMAC is so unfair