Spurs have powerful blueprint to crush Timberwolves' hopes in Game 4

The Timberwolves will be activating DEFCON 1 for Game 4. They'll be as desperate as it gets, knowing the series is all but over if they have to go back to San Antonio for an elimination game. The playoff script here is predictable. They'll come out with ample energy, trying to get a jump on the Spurs, but the outcome won't be much different from Game 4 in Portland.

The Silver and Black were in the exact same situation—up 2-1 with control of the series and coming off a strong win that disheartened their opponent. In the first round, it was Dylan Harper snatching their soul in Game 3. That was their chance to really grab hold of the matchup before Victor Wembanyama returned, and they couldn't do it.

The Alien then returned for the next meeting, and it was essentially a wrap, as their defense tightened the screws. Last night, the French superstar obliterated Minnesota on both sides of the floor himself, and there was absolutely nothing they could do to stop him. Now, the Wolves are staring into the same scene Portland couldn't survive: the moment hope gives way to inevitability.

The Spurs will be prepared for the early blitz

There's a common misconception that perfect offense beats perfect defense, but that's not true. Perfect offense cannot exist against a flawlessly executed defensive possession because, by nature, the only thing that would qualify as "perfect" is forcing a turnover. It's just incredibly difficult to achieve consistently because offensive players are the initiators, giving them a built-in advantage.

Unfortunately, that's what Minny has run into all series long. San Antonio's defense has dictated the terms in every meeting. Guys keep getting their shots blocked and the ball stolen. They'll come out with the same energy Portland did in Game 4 and may even land an early punch, but it will only be a matter of time before the Spurs apply the vice grip.

The Trail Blazers played at a fast pace in the opening quarter of their Desperation Day. They threw the ball ahead to push the tempo so they could try to find easy buckets before the Spurs set up their defense, and it resulted in a whopping 25 points. The Silver and Black were ready for that, and while their offense sputtered to start the night, they didn't forget to bring their effort on the other end.

To Portland's credit, they somehow mustered a 33-point second quarter. Then the second half began. San Antonio must have had enough because the Trail Blazers didn't crack 20 points in either of the final two periods. The meeting ended in a 21-point blowout, and that preceded another butt-whipping in Game 5 to put the series to bed.

Spurs fans should expect a similar script against the Timberwolves. They'll start the game with a lot of spunk, but the Silver and Black won't be phased by the opening punch. They've already seen this movie, and they know how it ends.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow