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In the most recent episode of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” guest Andrew Sharp and Kevin O’Connor outline several factors that make the Minnesota Timberwolves a potential threat to the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round.
Sharp points out the Timberwolves have been playing some of the best basketball in the league over the last three months. He appreciates their progress and believes Anthony Edwards could be a key player in a potential upset. Sharp mentions the matchup with the Lakers might be less daunting than it seems because the Lakers have their vulnerabilities, particularly with Luka Dončić’s defensive shortcomings and a less than airtight defense overall.
On the other hand, O’Connor presents a more cautious view. He acknowledges the series is likely to be competitive, potentially stretching to six or seven games. However, O’Connor raises concerns about Minnesota’s reliance on Edwards, especially since the Lakers are a switch-everything defense that could adapt their approach to disrupt Minnesota’s 23-year-old star. This defensive adaptability might pose a challenge as the Lakers have the strategic know-how to exploit weaknesses in half-court creation.
Ultimately, while the Timberwolves can certainly push the Lakers and have a chance at an upset, their success will depend heavily on their flexibility and problem-solving during the series, along with consistently high-level performances from their key players like Edwards, Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
To hear the full discussion, tune into “The Kevin O’Connor Show” on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
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