Average 27+8+6 per game! Evolving too fast! The Lakers lost without any wickedness, will the Timberwolves become the dark horse in the playoffs?

The Lakers have two shame points in the series against the Timberwolves:

The first, the substitute group in the entire series only scored 55 points, and the 16 teams ranked last. You should know that the Grizzlies substitute group swept 4:0 by the Thunder is 101 points in total - one more game than the other, but the score difference is nearly twice.

The Lakers' substitute offense has poor firepower. Except for Redick's brain that takes most of the time to perform 7-man rotation, it has a lot to do with the lack of stable scoring points. Among them, Vincent, who was highly anticipated, averaged only 2.8 points per game; Vanderbilt and Goodwin were defensive; Kneckett scored 0.833 points per round, but only scored 5.3 minutes of playing time and 5 mobile phone opportunities in total.

In other words, if it weren't for Finney Smith, who averaged 6.2 points per game, the Lakers' substitute firepower would be even worse.

Second, the Timberwolves shot 61.6% of the league's first shooting rate, while they were only 31.3%. It seems like I am back to the fear dominated by the Nuggets in the first two seasons - I can't defend my opponent at the decisive battle and my own offense continues to be silent.

The second point cannot be avoided by Anthony Edwards.

In the four regular season games, Huazi averaged 19+6+3 per game, and in the playoffs, the average average of 27+8+6 per game. I have to sigh: The speed of evolution is too fast.

Speaking of this, I have to mention one thing. Put aside 0 of G5's 11. With a 43.2% three-pointer bonus in the first four games, Huazi transformed into Nash as the peak - main defense on the outside, holding the ball to break through the inside end; main defense on the inside, the outside line started to "three-point rain". Of course, with the significant improvement of the three-point ability, the ball-holding force is also increasing.

When you can attract at least 2 defensive players to focus, creating opportunities for teammates to score. So we see the elite level conversion rate of 6.2 per 50.8 pass conversions.

From this perspective, Edwards' evolution and his excessive reliance on starting are not unfair to lose.

When you pass by the Lakers, the Timberwolves' next round opponent will be between the Rockets and the Warriors. In fact, judging from the trend of the first round series, I think the Timberwolves will become the dark horse in the playoffs.

Reason 1: Morale. Although "Black 6" is far less exciting than "Black 8" or even "Black 7". Don’t forget that the Lakers who were eliminated by the Timberwolves had a high voice before and even were rumored to be recommended by the league. Potentially, this is a great encouragement to the team's morale.

This is like the Heat in 22-23.

can eliminate the Bucks, Knicks, and Celtics in the finals as "Black 8". More importantly, the morale value +1 after each round is +1, and in the end, it has entered the state of blood.

Reason 2: Evolution. In fact, not only Edwards evolved, Randle's three-pointers (shot rate 39.3%), McDaniels's shooting (shot rate 40%, regular season 33.2%), and Reed's final efficiency at critical moments (shot rate 75% at the decisive moment) are all evolving.

Reason 3: Lineup structure. If the Lakers lack center, the Clippers lack the fourth position, the Nuggets lack the third or even the second point, at least the Western Timberwolves' lineup structure is comparable to that of the Thunder - three lines, one main and one preparatory.

To sum up the above three points, it can be said that it is a gradual relationship.

When your lineup structure is complete, the potential will be less affected by injuries and on-the-spot state. With this as a guarantee, the coach can flexibly match the main rotation players according to the opponent's different aspects, which potentially constitutes a necessary condition for evolution. At this time, there is a factor of "Black 6" to further push the team's immediate combat power to a new height.

Finally, when the three elements of success are together, it is not far from becoming a dark horse.