After taking down the Warriors last night on the road, the Timberwolves have won four straight games and they're playing some of their best basketball of the season. Their defensive improvement has arguably been the most impressive part of their four-game winning streak. In the four wins, Minnesota has allowed 85.5 points per game. According to a social media post from The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman, they're the first NBA team to allow 92 points or fewer in four straight games since the Grizzlies in 2021. They're the first Timberwolves team to do so since 2008.Timberwolves' defense has allowed 92 points or fewer in four straight games.They're the first NBA team to do that since the Grizzlies in 2021.And this is the first Timberwolves team to do that since 2008.— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) December 7, 2024Four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert has been the straw that has stirred the drink for the Wolves on defense. He is not known for great box score statistics, but he had five steals against the Clippers on Wednesday and he's averaging two steals per game throughout the winning streak.Minnesota was one of the best defenses in the entire league last season, but after trading Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo it has taken them a little bit to find the same level of success.After a slow start, they've begun to find their groove. Their 108.2 defensive team rating ranks fourth-best in the entire NBA and they've allowed 106.6 points per game, which ranks third-best. Following an 8-10 start to the regular season, many people jumped to some conclusions about this Wolves team, but it's clear that they're still one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

Timberwolves defense accomplishes a milestone that no NBA team has equaled since 2021

Following their victory against the Warriors last night away, the Timberwolves have claimed four consecutive wins, showcasing some of their finest gameplay this season. The notable enhancement in their defense is perhaps the most remarkable aspect of their four-game winning run. Over these victories, Minnesota has permitted an average of 85.5 points per game. As […]

Following their victory against the Warriors last night away, the Timberwolves have claimed four consecutive wins, showcasing some of their finest gameplay this season.

The notable enhancement in their defense is perhaps the most remarkable aspect of their four-game winning run. Over these victories, Minnesota has permitted an average of 85.5 points per game. As highlighted in a social media update from The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman, they are the first NBA team to concede 92 points or fewer in four consecutive games since the Grizzlies accomplished it in 2021. Moreover, they are the first Timberwolves squad to achieve this feat since 2008.

Timberwolves’ defense has allowed 92 points or fewer in four consecutive games.

They’re the first NBA team to manage that since the Grizzlies in 2021.

And this marks the first Timberwolves team to do so since 2008.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) December 7, 2024

Rudy Gobert, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been pivotal in enhancing the Wolves’ defensive performance. While he may not be celebrated for his box score metrics, he recorded five steals against the Clippers on Wednesday and is averaging two steals per game during this winning stretch.

Last season, Minnesota was recognized as one of the top defenses in the league, but after trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, it took some time for them to reach that previous level of effectiveness.

After a rocky beginning, they have started to hit their stride. Their defensive team rating of 108.2 ranks as the fourth best in the NBA, and they have allowed 106.6 points per game, placing them third overall. Following an 8-10 start to the season, many assumed the Wolves might struggle, but it is evident they remain one of the league’s top defensive units.