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Minnesota Timberwolves Still Struggling with 3rd Quarters

By Paul Bellesen

Dec 8, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) defends during the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) defends during the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Throughout this season, we have seen the Minnesota Timberwolves take double digit leads in multiple games they ended up losing. Mostly due to a lopsided third quarter.

In the last two games, the Minnesota Timberwolves held double digit leads in the first half. These games were against Toronto and San Antonio, perennial playoff teams.

Both of these games ended up in loses. The Timberwolves first half plus/minus is one of the best in the NBA. It is the second halves that are killing this young team.

The Timberwolves are 5-7 in games that they have held double digit leads in. It is true that an NBA game can change hands quickly, but teams should be able to win at least 75% of the games they hold double digit leads in.

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For some reason, the Timberwolves come out cold in the second half. This is something that needs to change. No one can see what adjustments need to be made, but this is one of the big issues that have cost this team to be sitting at a 6-16 record.

The Timberwolves would have to finish the season 35-25 to get to a .500 record, where the Las Vegas Westgate Superbook projected their record to be before the season start. That would also have to be the sort of record they would need to be in contention for a playoff spot.

It will take time for another new head coach to implement his system, and the young Timberwolves to grow.

The young squad looks to be frustrated more than they have in the past with their early struggles. That is most likely due to the high expectations set on them throughout this offseason.

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Hopefully this team can turn a corner soon. There has to be a solution to their second half, especially their third quarter woes.

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