Wolves show courage in victories against Miami, Philadelphia

The Timberwolves have missed Patrick Beverley for most of their wins against Miami and Karl-Anthony Towns for first-half fouls.

They missed Beverley for Saturday’s full Saturday win over Philadelphia in two overtimes due to left adductor strain and Towns was fouled late in the fourth quarter. The Wolves still won both games and are at .500 after their first 20 games of the season.

If this week has shown the wolves anything, it is that they can keep up with most teams, even if they lack important staff for a long time.

“We’re proving that we can play with some of the established teams here,” said coach Chris Finch. “Play hard, play like that in defense and we do what we try out there, we have a lot of really tough shooters.

“But it’s all about our defense. We were locked up from the start [Saturday]. These guys did a great job. They did everything we asked them to do. “

There have been many times the Wolves could have let the Philadelphia game go – when Towns was fouled, Jaden McDaniels and Jarred Vanderbilt fouled in overtime, or demoralized by Andre Drummond’s tip, which ended up being the same can be the first overtime.

The Wolves responded thanks to D’Angelo Russell’s 35 points, of which 27 came in the fourth quarter and overtimes. The Wolves held up defensively, including last possession when Anthony Edwards blocked Joel Embiid.

“We can beat any team if we play like this,” said Towns. “I think everyone saw us as underdogs against Miami. We took care of business. Everyone saw us as underdogs who came in.” [Saturday]. We came here and had to fight. We really, really had to take this brave win, and we really did it.

I think this win showed a lot more of us than the game against Miami Heat because, like I said, we could have let go of the rope several times and just stopped. “

Towns plays through injury and wishes Embiid all the best

Cities entered Saturday’s game in question due to a right index finger injury. He had a wrap on hand even after the game.

“It was definitely something to be worried about,” said Towns. “I have suffered a lot of serious falls [against Charlotte]. I punished a lot. It was a very physical game for me. I knew it would be different when I walked in. I didn’t know whether I could really catch a basketball or shoot it skillfully. “

Cities ended up shooting 11 out of 16 for the game.

“It gave me some trouble but I was confident that I could be an advantage for this team and at least catch the basketball,” said Towns. “I told Finch and the medical staff here that as long as I can catch the basketball, I’ll play.”

Towns shared the tip with Embiid a moment before the tip, which he had a memorable row with two seasons ago. But the tensions have cooled down in their liveliness on the pitch. Embiid had just fought COVID and missed nine games. Saturday was his first game back. Embiid said COVID hit him hard.

“I really thought I wouldn’t make it. It was so bad,” said Embiid. “So, I’m just grateful to be sitting here. I’m just glad I got over it.”

Towns said he told Embiid he was glad to see him play.

“I’m very glad he got to the other side of COVID,” said Towns. “We did our thing for a while, but it’s bigger than basketball. It’s bigger than what we have. I’ve seen it kill people. But I’m glad he’s on the other side. Me I am very, very happy about it. ” he’s fine and he comes to the other side to get back to basketball. “

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