The Timberwolves have posted a 6-7 record since Ryan Saunders became interim head coach, replacing Tom Thibodeau on Jan. 6.
Their 108-106 loss to the Grizzlies on Tuesday followed a familiar pattern — five of those seven losses under Saunders have come by four points or fewer. But a big reason for their losses in that stretch has been an unbelievable amount of injuries.
The Wolves have been playing most of that time without starters Jeff Teague and Robert Covington and reserves Tyus Jones and Derrick Rose.
Looking at those four players' contributions before their injuries, it's amazing the Wolves are staying above water while they're out.
Rose was the second-leading scorer for the Wolves at 18.3 points per game and second in assists at 4.7 per game.
Teague led the team in assists (8.1) and was fourth in minutes (30.3).
Covington's 34.7 minutes equaled Andrew Wiggins for the team lead, his 14.5 points were the fourth highest and his 2.3 steals per game was the highest mark in the league.
Jones was playing 20.3 minutes per game but was a key backup, and his 4.0 assists per game were the third-highest mark on the team. His 6.3 assists-to-turnovers ratio remains the highest mark in the NBA.