King James Gospel
Fansided

The Cavs will be tested early next season

By Quenton S. Albertie

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22, Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during the 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22, Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during the 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

‘Minnesota Love’ vs. Minnesota ‘Big 3’

The Timberwolves have no significant changes but their top three playmakers should have enough experience playing together for the results to match the talent more consistently.

They have a few players who are mediocre defenders, either because of ability or effort, but they’re one of the most offensively talented bunches in the league; the trio averaged 61.2 points per game last season

Wiggins, the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, has yet to truly break out in the league. After averaging 17.7 points per game last season, his scoring average obviously affected by the arrival of Butler (Wiggins averaged 23.6 points per game the season prior) he’ll hit elite status. This could be that season.

This is a game that will test the new defensive identity of the Cavs, with Osman, Hood and Larry Nance Jr. (or Tristan Thompson) drawing the defensive assignments against Wiggins, Butler and Anthony-Towns.

However, it will also be a great opportunity for “Minnesota Love” to make another appearance. His ability to lead the offense in scoring while the defense around him excels will be key to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ success for the foreseeable future.

He’ll be going up against a team that’s not known as a stout defensive club but the frontcourt is where the Wolves’ best defenders lie. Butler, power forward Taj Gibson and center Gorgui Dieng have each earned reputations as above-average defenders, so his work will be cut out for him.

However, he’ll get every opportunity to leave his imprint on the game.

Love averaged 23.5 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in the four seasons prior to his trade to Cleveland, averaging at least 26.0 points per game in two separate seasons. Putting up similar numbers early could provide a glimmer of hope for early success in the post-LeBron years.

KJG Podcast. Episode 17. light

*All stats gathered from www.basketball-reference.com