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Timberwolves proves size isn’t everything with historic rebounding surge
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- Timberwolves proves size isn’t everything with historic rebounding surge
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The Minnesota Timberwolves may have sacrificed size this offseason, but their first two games suggest they gained something even more valuable: relentless physicality. After reshaping their roster around speed and defensive versatility . Minnesota has opened the season with a franchise-record rebounding margin.
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The Timberwolves dominated the Orlando Magic 115-93 on Friday, winning the rebounding battle 61-43. That advantage carried into a 52-34 win over the Miami Heat in their season opener.
According to The Athletic, Minnesota's plus 35 rebounding margin through two games represents the best start in franchise history.
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The transformation is particularly surprising considering the Timberwolves traded Julius Randle and Naz Reid during the summer, replacing their combined 497 pounds wth 405 pounds of LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga.
Coach Chris Finch credited the team's improved mentality, revealing that intense offseason workouts sometimes became heated.
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"There were a lot of times I thought I had boiled over. But it was great to see the intensity," Finch said.
Minnesota grabbed 22 offensive rebounds against Orlando, including seven from Joan Beringer, while outscoring the Magic 17-6 in second-chance points.
The performance also demonstrated that the Timberwolves can dominate without relying entirely on their stars' shooting.
Anthony Edwards managed just 15 points on 5-for-23 shooting, while Ball scored 12 points.
Despite those struggles, Minnesota controlled the game through defense and rebounding, reinforcing the potential of its new-look backcourt and developing chemistry .
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The Timberwolves now return home with a 2-0 record, having won both road games by at least 20 points.
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Their early success suggests that hustle, discipline, and collective effort can outweigh traditional size advantages against physically imposing NBA opponents.
Related: Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball show that the 'chemistry is real, baby' vs. Magic
Related: Is Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards-LaMelo Ball backcourt the NBA's best? Kendrick Perkins says yes
