The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 of their best of 7 series in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
In a back and forth series that has seen the Wolves give up big leads and win big games, News Talk 830 WCCO late-night host and Timberwolves analyst Henry Lake shared that consistency among the team's top players will make or break the series.
Lake shared that neither Anthony Edwards nor Karl-Anthony Towns has been consistent so far in this series, leaving the team vulnerable in their losses.
On the flip side, when KAT and Edwards are producing and getting their shots up, the team has been one of the best in the playoffs.
In order for the Wolves to make a statement and steal another game from Memphis on the road, they will need to execute their game plan like they've shown they can.
A leading criticism of the Wolves is that they are a young team, not having much if any, playoff experience. At times it has shown, especially in their Game 3 loss.
Many in the basketball world have shared their dismay with Wolves Head Coach Chris Finch for not calling a timeout and trying to stop the Grizzlies during their 20–0 run to close the lead in the fourth quarter. But Lake said it's important to remember he is only in his first full season as a head coach.
"We also have to understand he's a young NBA coach," Lake said. "He's not going to make every single correct call. He's going to make some mistakes. He's learning on the job as we speak."
While he is learning, Lake pointed out he has taken responsibility for his mistakes, and the team responded to his leadership by winning a close Game 3 in Minnesota.
As for what needs to happen for the Wolves to win the series, Lake thinks Finch needs to go with whoever has the hot hand as he did on Saturday when Minnesota evened the series.
But while history says Minnesotans will be disappointed, Lake says we need to enjoy this as it's a turning point in our franchise.
"If I'm a Minnesotan or a Timberwolves basketball fan, I wouldn't be concerned about all the other past history stuff," Lake said. "We're worrying and concerned about stuff we have no control over."
Listen to the Wolves pregame show tonight at 6 p.m. and tip-off at 6:30 p.m. on News Talk 830 WCCO and WCCO2 on the Audacy app.
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