The Minnesota Timberwolves are right in the thick of things in the Western Conference playoff picture so far this NBA season. They are currently 11-13 but have regained their footing after an early-season swoon in which they lost eight out of the nine games they played.
Minnesota has lost their last two games to the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets but had won seven out of eight games previously to that. A big reason the team found more success this season than in years past is their defense.
Minnesota is currently ranked eighth in defensive rating according to Basketball-Reference. That is helping make up for some struggles on the offensive side of the ball, as the Timberwolves are 22nd in offensive rating.
How good have the Timberwolves been on defense this season? This would be the first time since the 2013-14 season that they could have a defensive rating below 110. If they can get their offense up to the level they have performed at in recent seasons, Minnesota will remain in the race in what is shaping up to be a very congested Western Conference.
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Some of the credit for the team’s turnaround on the defensive side of the ball has to be given to Patrick Beverley. Beverley is one of the more highly-regarded defensive point guards in the NBA and he has lived up to that billing thus far with the Timberwolves.
Minnesota has a Net Rating difference of 6.7 with Beverley on the court compared to when he is off the court. Given how much of a positive impact he has had, the Timberwolves are interested in working out an extension with him and the feeling is mutual.
During a recent episode of The Jon Krawczynski Show, it was revealed that contract extension talks have been held.
“Patrick Beverley has gotten a lot of credit for helping turnaround the Minnesota Timberwolves defense. After years of at the bottom of the league in defensive rating, the Wolves have been a top-10 defense this season.
Now, it looks like Minnesota and Beverley are open to keeping the good times rolling. The two sides have had cursory conversations on a contract extension. Beverley is playing out the final year of his contract this season and is eligible to ink an extension with the Wolves up to the end of the season.”
It would make a lot of sense for the Timberwolves to lock up Beverley if possible. He has helped change the culture of the team and has become an integral part of the team’s success.
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He not only brings that intensity himself, but he has set a great example for some of the younger guys on the team. Patrick Beverley has them buying in on the defensive end, which is what the Minnesota Timberwolves need if they are to return as a fixture in the postseason picture in the Western Conference.
