Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley knows that he and his teammates have struggled with inconsistency this season.
Maybe, just maybe, that trend is beginning to change. The Timberwolves are coming off one of their best victories of the season, and they will go for their third consecutive win when they tip off against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Minneapolis.
Conley said a key to success was Minnesota’s mindset.
“Number one, it’s not getting bored of doing the right thing,” Conley said. “We’ve had spells where we do it for four or five possessions and then we say, âLet’s go (get isolations), or let’s try something else.’ No, just keep playing fast. Keep throwing the ball ahead, getting transition looks, just getting downhill and sharing the basketball.
“When we put energy to that side of the basketball, I think it bodes well for us.”
The Timberwolves saw the fruits of their efforts Saturday afternoon in a 133-104 win at home against the Denver Nuggets. The victory came three days after Minnesota earned a 115-114 road win against the Dallas Mavericks.
As the Timberwolves look to stay hot, Atlanta is eager to snap a four-game losing streak. The Hawks are coming off a 117-94 loss at home against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.
Recent injuries have added to the Hawks’ challenges. Jalen Johnson (shoulder) and De’Andre Hunter (illness) did not play in the team’s most recent game, and their status is day-to-day heading into Monday’s game at Minnesota.
Reigning No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher also is sidelined because of a thigh injury. The 19-year-old is averaging 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in his rookie season.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder said the injuries have forced others to take on new roles, which has led to an increase in turnovers and other miscues.
“Some guys were in unfamiliar situations,” Snyder said after the latest loss. “Having some guys out, that made it harder for us. You saw the result.”
The Timberwolves are also down a couple of players, Donte DiVincenzo (toe) and rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. (ankle), heading into Monday. DiVincenzo learned recently that he expects to avoid surgery, but there is no immediate timetable for his return.
Trae Young is Atlanta’s top scorer with 22.8 points per game to go along with 11.5 assists. Johnson ranks second with 18.9 points and a team-high 10.0 rebounds.
Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota with 26.3 points per game on 44.5 percent shooting. Julius Randle is averaging 18.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest.
Naz Reid (13.6 ppg) said the Timberwolves’ recent improvement offered a good sign going forward.
“We’ve got to figure it out, as far as staying consistent,” Reid said. “Taking our time, processing everything, playing for each other. I think we’ve been playing like that lately.
“It takes a while. I’ve been saying it since the beginning of the year, it takes a while to get to this point. Still a long way to go, … but I think (it comes down to) habits, just continue our habits we’re building right now.”
