The early NBA season has brought us some surprising storylines, and two teams that have caught everyone’s attention are the Orlando Magic and the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the league might be pushing the In-Season Tournament, let’s focus on these teams that are making waves.
First, let’s talk about the Orlando Magic. They are currently the hottest team in the league, having won eight straight games. With a record of 13-5, they are just half a game behind the Boston Celtics for the best record in the league. The Magic’s success can be attributed to their well-rounded roster and strong team chemistry.
One player who has been particularly impressive is Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves. He is taking an average of 20 shots per game and has shooting splits of 46% from the field, 37% from three-point range, and 86% from the free-throw line. Edwards is showing significant improvement in all aspects of his game, including points, rebounds, assists, and shooting percentages.
Karl-Anthony Towns has also been a key contributor for the Timberwolves. He has accepted his role as a No. 2 option and is currently shooting at an impressive 49% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 91% from the free-throw line. Towns has been efficient and effective, providing valuable scoring and rebounding for his team.
Defensively, the Timberwolves have been outstanding. They have the best overall field-goal defense in the league, holding opponents to just 43% shooting. They also have the second-best scoring and three-point defense. Their ability to get stops without relying on steals and blocks is a testament to their cohesive and disciplined defensive approach.
While both teams have shown promise, there are some concerns. Rudy Gobert’s ability to stay on the floor in the playoffs and Towns’ tendency to commit unnecessary fouls are areas of improvement. However, if they can address these issues, the Timberwolves could become a serious contender in the playoffs.
As for the Orlando Magic, they are enjoying their success and having fun on the court. Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony re-created LeBron James and Dwyane Wade’s iconic alley-oop, showcasing their chemistry and excitement. The Magic have also seen contributions from players like Franz Wagner, who leads the team in field goal attempts and points per game.
With a mix of veterans and young talent, the Magic have the potential to make significant moves. Players like Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze, Wendell Carter Jr., and Markelle Fultz could be valuable trade assets if the team decides to make moves before the deadline.
It’s important to note that we are still early in the season, but the Magic and Timberwolves have shown consistency and potential. With around 20 games played, their success feels more than just a fluke. Both teams have a legitimate chance to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
While the In-Season Tournament might be a contentious topic, let’s not overlook the real stories of the early NBA season. The Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves are proving to be exciting and competitive teams, and their success is worth celebrating.