Avoiding fouls is a highlight of Wolves’ latest winning defensive stand
LOS ANGELES — After the Timberwolves defeated the Clippers on Tuesday, Rudy Gobert had relief in his voice. Wolves defeated the Clippers thanks to solid defensive performance, and they played solid defense by not committing too many fouls.
“It’s huge for us,” Gobert said. “We have such great individual defenders that if we just lose our focus and decide to foul, it trumps everything.”
Wolves have committed 20 fouls against the Clippers, which is below their season average of 21.7. This number ranks 27th in the league and has been a constant thorn in the side of Wolves.
“We give guys confidence, guys that just get to the line, and that makes it harder for us in every aspect of the game,” Gobert said. “So it forces guys to hit hard shots. It’s okay for guys to hit hard shots, make contested shots and stay consistent throughout a game and [Tuesday] was the perfect example of that.”
A key to limiting fouls was Wolves’ ability to show their hands on defense and not get caught grabbing or being caught hands down in vulnerable positions where they are vulnerable to fouls when opponents take one make move
“We were physically fit before the action and then had great hands guarding the ball,” said Coach Chris Fink called. “Often we wait too long to be physical and then have bad hands.”
By this, Finch means that too many hands that reach or try to play are catching up on a game they might be a step too slow at, or a game they’re not as physical at. A constant focus for Finch was getting the Wolves to play more physically. That’s because when a team plays with physicality more regularly, referees are more likely to allow fouls in those scenarios, he said. In other words, officials will not call fouls on every downhill run.
“If you’re choosing when to be physical, and it’s happening in space, it’s easy for umpires to see that,” Finch said. “When there’s a lot more physicality on the floor, it’s harder to call everything.”
Gobert said trusting teammates — and trusting that help will be there — can help Wolves commit stupid fouls.
“Communication really helps,” Gobert said. “Knowing that if you get hit, you don’t know if, but if someone gets hit, that help will come. I think that really helps. Just these little details and habits that we build.”
Injury updates
Guard Jaylen Nowell missed his third straight game due to tendinopathy in his left knee. Karl-Anthony-Cities is out because of his right calf injury.
Finch said Nowell’s knee injury bothered him before the All-Star break. Considered a game-time decision, he went through his pre-game warm-ups as he had all the road trips behind him.
Former Wolves point guard D’Angelo Russell dropped out for the Lakers with an ankle injury.