Sat Mar 22 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Timberwolves’ Late-Game Collapse Threatens Playoff Hopes
**Minneapolis, MN** – The Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, thanks to a perplexing inability to close out games, according to MinnPost sports columnist Britt Robson. Despite boasting a talented roster, the Wolves have stumbled in numerous “clutch” situations – defined as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime when the score is within five points – losing 25 of 43 such games this season, the most in the NBA.
Robson points to recent losses against the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans as prime examples. Against the injury-depleted Pacers, the Wolves squandered a four-point lead in the final minutes, ultimately losing in overtime. Two nights later, they allowed the Pelicans, owners of an 18-51 record, to mount a comeback after initially building a significant lead.
This pattern of late-game collapses isn’t new. The Wolves have consistently struggled to maintain momentum, allowing inferior opponents to gain confidence and energy in crunch time. Coach Chris Finch acknowledges the team’s issues with focus, decision-making, and over-reliance on star player Anthony Edwards. He cited missed shots, turnovers, and poor rebounding as key contributors to their failures. The team’s defense is also a major concern, allowing a high number of points per 100 possessions in clutch situations.
While the Wolves excel in building leads early in games and making comebacks in the third quarter, their inability to finish has become a significant detriment. Robson suggests the problem stems from a lack of self-belief and trust within the team, a stark contrast to last season’s more confident and cohesive unit. With only 11 games remaining, the Timberwolves must overcome this critical flaw to secure a playoff berth and avoid the play-in tournament. The team’s current performance has raised serious questions about their ability to succeed in the postseason, should they even make it.
First Piper 