#minnesota-timberwolves

#minnesota-timberwolves

"The toughest team," Smart said, "sets the rules." "I've been in this league for 12 years and that's always been the motto," the former NBA defensive player of the year continued. "You see it. The team that comes out more physical, the momentum is kind of going their way, and that's how it is. We want to be the toughest team from start to the end."

The last two seasons have been two of the Timberwolves' most successful ... ever. However, coming off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, they had a largely uneventful offseason in terms of external improvement. Their most notable move was drafting French big Joan Beringer No. 17 overall last June. He's raw, but he's very athletic and a very good shot-blocker. It will take time for him to learn and bulk up, but I think it was a worthy dart throw.

LeBron James failed to score in the fourth quarter of Game 4, reflecting not just personal struggles but also the Lakers' inefficient offensive strategy against Minnesota.