A season ago, the Timberwolves led the league with 41.3 three-point attempts per game and 14.8 makes.
The Wolves offense fit right in with the three-point-heavy trends modern NBA offenses have gone in the past decade. But this season has seen a dramatic turnaround when it comes to the Wolves' production beyond the arc.
From the beginning of the season through the end of December, the Wolves were 19th in the league in three-point attempts with 32.4 per game and 23rd in makes (11.1). Their .341 shooting percentage ranked 24th. The three-point shot was no longer a weapon for them.
That has all changed in January. The Wolves have taken and made more threes — and at a better clip — and gone 11-5 for the month after Monday's 118-111 overtime loss to Sacramento.
In January, the Wolves attempted 33.9 three-pointers per game (11th) and made 13.4 (tied for eighth). That's a percentage of 39.5, which was sixth.
"A lot more catch-and-shoot threes in the flow," coach Chris Finch said of the difference in the numbers now. "We were turning down a lot of threes at one point. We weren't generating a ton anyway, but we were turning down a lot. Now the ball is moving and guys are just committed to taking them."
That includes point guard D'Angelo Russell, who said the improved three-point numbers are a product of the Wolves figuring things out as the season progresses.
"Just chemistry. What we presented to the world earlier in the year was a team with not a lot of chemistry trying to figure it out," Russell said. "Now, we've worked on that, ironed out a few of the wrinkles and got some consistent bodies out there that have formed our identity, I would say. It's allowed us to make easy plays for each other."