Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tries to stop Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley. Credit: Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

The Minnesota Timberwolves reached the NBA Western Conference finals for a second consecutive season, and for the second consecutive season they were eliminated very quickly. While some would view this from a negative perspective, positive aspects have revealed themselves from the 2024-25 season.

First, this is the first time in team history that the Timberwolves made back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference finals. Not an easy task in such a competitive conference.

Though Minnesota lost the series 4-1 to the Oklahoma City Thunder — the last a 124-94 blowout — that does not take away from the contribution players gave to another outstanding regular season and playoff run. Here are the main contributors to this season’s success.

Anthony Edwards (guard, 27.9 points per game) continued to blossom as one of league’s top players with his penetration and outside shooting.

Julius Randle (forward, 18.7 points per game) displayed a variety of skills — rebounding, shot blocking outside and mid-range shooting — letting it be known that the trade with Karl-Anthony Towns worked.

Mike Conley (guard, 8.2 points per game) showed that he is still capable of starting at the point, running the show, and hitting the three-point shot at crucial times. 

Rudy Gobert (center, 12.0 points per game) was always there to anchor the defense with his shot-blocking and scoring at will once he received the ball in the paint.

Jaden McDaniels (forward, 12.7 points per game) provided excitement with his timely dunks, drives to the basket, and baseline jumpers.

Naz Reid (14.2 points per game) remained one of the top sixth men in the NBA as he consistently knocked down three-pointers and excelled on the defensive end. 

Donte DiVincenz (guard, 11.7 points per game) provided an immediate spark off the bench running the point and shooting threes.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (guard, 9.4 points per game) had a fine season as a reserve and exceeded all team expectations.

Terrence Shannon Jr. (guard-forward, 4.3 points per game) was a fan favorite who came alive during the playoffs.

The future looks bright for the Timberwolves if they keep their current roster intact. After all, experience is the best teacher.

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments to mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

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