Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, plays well for Minnesota at the right time

Last month there was a segment of games in which the Timberwolves played a largely entertaining brand of basketball with 5-out distance and a few people who were able to attack the dribble and play at an immense pace.

It was Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and the young players like Jaylen Clark, Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. at the forefront for a team that was fun.

But not many games won.

This made every outdoor area a difficult sale for a youth movement. Not that players like Clark and Shannon Jr. specifically do not prove that they were ready to contribute to a winning team, he deserves minutes until the team has returned to full health-but a youth-oriented direction was not a minnesota that should turn this season.

This was not a practical option for a team that is still considered a collection that is able to keep a deep season.

And while some might be funny about the term Minnesota, it could possibly go deep into May for a second season in a row, there are nights – as on Friday when the wolves Phoenix dismantled again – if everything still seems to be on the table for the Timberwolves.

“When we play like this,” said Wolves striker Julius Randle, “we feel the best team in the league.”

“The” plays with defensive persistence and an offensive that is repeatedly executed. It is with a consistent effort and attention to detail. To be honest, Minnesota showed no ability in the first 74 games of the season to deliver these properties based on game-to-game. That is why it is in the struggle of his life to grab a top-six seed in the west and avoid the game-in tournament.

The wolves suffered some unexcused defeats this season, an old scab from earlier seasons that apparently remedied them a year ago. But inconsistency is a sign of a young, inexperienced team.

Fortunately for the wolves, they have experienced players that they can rely on – especially lately.

Rudy Gobert dominated the victory on Friday on Friday and ended with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Phoenix made its inside editing almost impossible. The center stated the tone as it has done so often in the past, and Minnesota needs it to move forward more often.

“I mean, he has to play like the defender of the year he was,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “He was huge on the edge and only gave the tone. If we become more aggressive on the ball, maybe think about getting on the edge twice.”

But it wasn’t just on the offensive. Gobert also grabbed five offensive boards, which led to seven single points of the second chance. Friday was an example of Gobert’s best basketball, and if he delivers it …

“Then we all play our best ball to be honest. Then our team really works as it should work,” said Mike Conley. “We only need it to continue to be aggressive. I think the fact that he collapsed with the glass tried to get the second chance and play additional games for us to expand the possessions for us and be defensive that we count on.

“If we can continue to include it early, they continue to play with this feeling of urgency, man, then we want to be.”

The same applies to a general floor that plays as consistent as Conley, which has been maintained in this period since mid-January with 50% from the 3-point range and a 5-: 1-assist tourovers ratio.

“It is as important as his leadership,” said Finch, “it is its production and its game at the moment, which is at a super high level.”

The things that Conley brings with it – take care of the ball and good shots for themselves and others – and Gabert delivers – central defense and rebound – are very repeatable and contribute to consistent team success.

That is why both Conley and Gobert have been both Conley and Gobert among all NBA players with at least 20 games played and 25 minutes per game since January 22.

Minnesotas record in these 31 games? 20-11.

The “old boys” run the bus in the team success.

“I have to set the sound for the team,” said Gobert. “It has to be every night.”

If this continues, Minnesota can be the threat that hopes to be this off -season.