Minnesota Timberwolves last reached the Conference Finals in 2004. 20 years on, the Wolves look capable of repeating that run. Having racked up more than 51 wins for the first time in decades and sitting in second spot, they will be hopeful of going the distance. But NBA veteran Jamal Crawford believes LA Lakers could be their bane again, just like they were two decades ago.

Things have just become interesting for the Wolves (52-23). The team clinched a 113-106 victory over the Houston Rockets and the chances for the team to win their first playoff series since 2004 this season are quite good considering their performances so far. However, despite being on a good run and looking like Conference contenders, Jamal Crawford has one doubt regarding the team.

In the latest segment of ‘NBA on TNT‘, as the panel had a look at the Western Conference table, the former Chicago Bulls player, Crawford asked, “These last two weeks are going to be good because everybody is like bundled up and it’s just if you were to pick a young team which one do you think would live up to the hype in the playoffs? When I’m looking at the standings you’re looking at the Warriors and the Lakers these guys, which one could you think they can go get?”

This prompted the host to ask “You are thinking of either Timberwolves or Thunder? When you asked that question which one are you thinking?” 

Crawford then provided his answer and explained why the Wolves might just fall short. He said, “I had to pick one of those two (Wolves and OKC Thunders), I’d say the Timberwolves, can be gotten. Because KAT obviously out like you said, reintroducing him back to the game and I just feel like I’m not sure they have enough perimeter scoring when the game slows down to make noise and beat a team like the Lakers, if they were to play them.”

Wolves have a young team with an average age of 25.31 years while Thunder have the second youngest team in NBA this season with an average of 24.12 years. Both teams occupy the two spots in the top three. But Wolves have KAT down as a long-term absentee after he had surgery on March 12 following a left meniscus tear. At that time, Wolves did say they would reevaluate him in four weeks and provide an update. He was averaging 22.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per contest before his injury. Wolves have a 12-4 record without KAT this season.

With teams like the Warriors and Lakers still in playoff contention, things will be far from easy if they were to go up against one of those teams. Looking at the Western Conference standings, Shaquille O’Neal also pointed out, “That’s what I wanted to talk about and then either of those four teams(Kings, Lakers, Warriors, Suns) if they get momentum they could be very dangerous for the top two.”

While Crawford’s opinion on the Timberwolves will raise some eyebrows, those who agree with him will point to the game between the Lakers and Wolves earlier in the season to justify his claims.

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Lakers handed the Wolves a defeat in their last clash

The last time, these teams faced each other was on March 11, when the Los Angeles Lakers came out victorious 120-109. Anthony Davis scored 27 points and LeBron James added 29 points for the Lakers win. The Timberwolves led 92-91 heading into the fourth quarter. But the Lakers turned the game around with a 21-4 run to open the last quarter and eventually see out of the Wolves.

Wolves have a chance to prove Crawford wrong and prove their mettle when they face the Lakers on April 7 at the Crypto.com Arena. They have built momentum since the defeat. Given their performances this season, the Wolves will hope for a first Conference Final appearance since the Lakers ended their dream after a 4-2 series defeat in 2004.

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