The signs of a promising defense typically aren’t revealed by its mistakes. But the Timberwolves recently made one that provided a fascinating glimpse into how stout they might finally be.
Early in the third quarter of a Dec. 1 loss against the Wizards, Bradley Beal curled middle off a wide pindown set by Daniel Gafford. When Karl-Anthony Towns stepped up to take away a clean shot, Beal dropped a perfect pocket pass to Gafford as he rolled into the paint.
Before he got there, Towns reached back and committed a hard foul, ensuring there wouldn't be an easy basket while sending Gafford to the free-throw line.