The Minnesota Timberwolves sit third in the Western Conference sporting a 5-2 record, which includes a decisive win over the reigning NBA Champion Denver Nuggets, and a slugfest knockout of the East’s top squad, the Boston Celtics.
Through the first seven games, the Wolves find themselves with the league’s top-ranked defense (100.7 defensive rating). They are holding opponents to 42.1% overall shooting and 31.3% from three, while only allowing 18.7 free throws per game, which is second best in the NBA.
A very important reason for the Wolves’ defensive performance thus far is a resurgence from three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.