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For third straight year, Timberwolves season ends in blowout defeat
TL;DR
The Timberwolves were eliminated from the playoffs for the third consecutive year after a 139-109 loss to the Spurs, marking a 4-2 series defeat. This game highlighted the significant gap in performance between the two teams.
Key points
- Timberwolves eliminated from playoffs for third straight year
- Lost 139-109 to Spurs in decisive game
- Spurs won 4-2 series against Timberwolves
- Timberwolves trailed by at least 30 points in elimination games
- Significant performance gap between Timberwolves and Spurs
TimberwolvesSpurs
For the third straight season, the Timberwolves went out with a whimper.
Which, on its surface, is an indictment. Friday’s 139-109 defeat in Minneapolis sealed San Antonio’s 4-2 series victory and marked the third time in as many years that the Wolves trailed by at least 30 points in the second half of an elimination game.
And it doesn’t feel as though that’s indicative of a team that “quit,” but rather one that was wildly overmatched. Such was the case in last year’s Western Conference Finals, and again rang true in this year’s second round. Friday marked the third decisive blowout of the series.
The Spurs won 62 games this season. Minnesota won 49. There is a massive gap between good and great. It was on full display in this series.
San Antonio, while young, out-executed Minnesota in every sense. Once the Wolves’ physical and athletic challenges present against Denver were gone, Minnesota had no where else to turn. Why? That’s a question that will require an offseason to assess and address.
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Q&A
Why did the Timberwolves lose to the Spurs in the playoffs?
The Timberwolves lost due to being outmatched and out-executed by the Spurs, who won 62 games this season compared to Minnesota's 49.
How many times have the Timberwolves been eliminated in the playoffs by over 30 points?
The Timberwolves have been eliminated in the playoffs by at least 30 points in the second half of an elimination game for three consecutive years.
What are the Timberwolves' plans for the offseason after their playoff exit?
The Timberwolves will need to assess and address their performance issues during the offseason following their disappointing playoff exit.
