NBA: Healthy Timberwolves eyeing playoff spot this season

Kevin Love was named the Western Conference Player for the week for putting up three huge double doubles in as many games.

He, along with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Martin, has been instrumental in taking the Timberwolves to a record of 3-1 in the opening week of the NBA.

Kevin Love was named the Western Conference Player of the Week

While they had a close win in overtime against the Orlando Magic, they did win dominating games against Oklahoma City Thunder (without Westbrook) and New York Knicks at the Garden. They ended the week in a disappointing one point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday night.

A talented and healthy bunch, Timberwolves would look to make a strong statement this season by making the Playoffs. But do they really stand a chance to stay on course all through the regular season and make the Playoffs? Let’s have a look at what and who hold the key.

Kevin Love:

He sat out the remainder of last season after injuring his hand for a second time in two months and right from the first press conference in this year’s pre-season he has been all business and right now his performance is certainly speaking for itself.

In the games played in the opening week, he averages a double double of 26.5 points and 14.2 rebounds per game. He hit a clutch shot from beyond the arc against the Magic to send the game to overtime and is averaging 80% from the charity stripe. He has returned to hitting tough shots late in games for the Timberwolves.

Spike Lee couldn’t resist sharing a hi-5 with Love after he hit a tough shot against Spike’s beloved New York Knicks.

So one thing does seem certain that: Kevin Love is back. Healthy and fit, he has found his groove very early in the season and is determined to keep it going.

Supporting cast:

Their wins haven’t been all Kevin Love. The Timberwolves have a strong supporting cast in Corey Brewer, Kevin Martin, Nikola Pekovic and Ricky Rubio.

Nikola Pekovic resigned with the franchise in the off-season on a 5-year deal which would pay him 60 million. The team requires his inside presence.

While Love steals the spotlight, Pekovic makes contributions quietly but effectively. While everyone has been talking about Love’s four double doubles, Pekovic has also recorded two double doubles in the four games played with another game reading 8 points and 12 rebounds.

Although his defense can be debated, he can improve as he has a long tenure to look forward to with the franchise.

Corey Brewer’s numbers don’t say much, but he is a healthy and consistent double figures contributor and the defense he brings along is invaluable.

His job on Kevin Durant in the opening game resulted in Durant scoring his least points in a defeat since he started winning scoring titles and eventually the victory for the Timberwolves. “That was a one-of-a-kind performance by Corey,” new Wolves shooter Kevin Martin said in the locker room afterward.

He knew what matchup he had tonight. He knew he was guarding the best offensive player in the league. He showed up.”

Capable of stealing the show himself once in a while, starting point guard Ricky Rubio is an essential member in the Love’s supporting cast

Their back court combo of Ricky Rubio and Kevin Martin have been destructive together. While Ricky Rubio has been at his crafty best in the 4 games, averaging 9 assists and 4 steals a game, Martin has been on a hot shooting streak this season. He shot 5-5 and 5-8 from beyond the arc and has huge games of 30 and 23 against the Knicks and Cavs respectively.

Bench production:

In J.J. Barea, Dante Cunningham and Derrick Williams the Timberwolves have a productive bench they can depend on. Consistently in all games played one of the guys or more have stepped up and contributed finishing in double figures when the starters are having a tough time. Barea contributes not only points but has figures to show in the assists column too.

Ronny Turiaf is an experienced bench player. Despite being injured at present, he can prove to be instrumental in the front court while either of Love or Pekovic are taking a rest.

Injuries:

Their disastrous 2012-2013 campaign was for no other reason than injuries to multiple players. No rotation ever found its chemistry because there wasn’t any rotation which consistently played over a long duration together.

Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio had injuries last season which were a huge set back to the team’s chances, and although Rubio returned with a major part of the season left, he lacked the electricity we relate to him.

“Losing Chase ,” Adelman told the media gathering, “is really going to hurt us.”

They have already lost Chase Budinger, a vital piece to the roster, to a knee injury and would like to move forward staying healthy.

Focused on the Playoffs:

Acquired in the off-season, Kevin Martin plays a huge role in the Timberwolves making it to the Playoffs this season.

The longest active Playoff drought in the NBA belongs to the Timberwolves and heading into their 25th season as a franchise, they would certainly want to break the active streak.

This is not just me; the players being healthy as a group, are ready to make it to the post-season for the first time under Rick Adelman.

“Nobody’s trying to lead the league in scoring here, everybody has the big picture of trying to get to the playoffs.”-Kevin Martin.

“Last year is last year,” Love, the All-Star power forward, said. “It’s just going to get better day by day.”

The players are optimistic and eager to make it to the Playoffs this season. The Timberwolves look to be a very entertaining team and when healthy can be a serious threat.