In the high-stakes atmosphere of the NBA Western Conference finals, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves claimed a staggering routine of making 1500 three-point shots daily in practice. This statement came on the heels of a challenging Game 3, where he went 0 for 8 from beyond the arc, resulting in a 116-107 loss against the Dallas Mavericks.
Towns, despite a playoff filled with confident shooting, lamented the tough breaks he was getting, saying, “confidence extremely high, and to be having these unfortunate bounces and these that are just not going in, it’s tough.”
Calling the Shots: Inside The NBA’s Skeptical Take
The bold claim was met with skepticism on TNT’s “Inside The NBA.” Draymond Green, with a knowing smirk, introduced the concept of “capping” to the discussion, suggesting Towns was exaggerating. Kenny Smith, a renowned sharpshooter during his NBA days, dissected Towns’ claim with a shooter’s precision.
“To make 300 in a day takes about 45 minutes. So, if you’re taking 1500, it’s gonna be taking you over two and a half hours,” Smith explained, casting doubt on the feasibility of such a feat amidst regular team practices.
Charles Barkley weighed in too, not only echoing the sentiment of disbelief but also critiquing Towns’ focus on perimeter shooting, especially given his 3 for 22 performance over three games. Barkley advised a more balanced offensive strategy, emphasizing the need for Towns to enhance his game inside the arc as well.
A Veteran’s Advice Amidst a Slump
The spotlight wasn’t just on Towns’ claims but also on his recent performance. Averaging only 15.0 points on 27.8% shooting and a mere 13.6% from three-point land, Towns faced criticism for his selection of shots, particularly with 22 of his 32 field goal attempts coming from outside. Kyle Anderson, a seasoned teammate, suggested a strategic pivot back to basics.
“I think KAT gotta just do a better job of maybe getting back to his old self, of finding himself around the basket more. Rim running, taking advantage of mismatches,” Anderson advised, highlighting the need for Towns to exploit his significant size advantage over his primary matchup, P.J. Washington.
Beyond the Arc: Looking Forward
The debate over Towns’ claims and his current playoff performance provides a broader commentary on the pressures and expectations facing modern NBA big men. The shift towards a three-point centric game has its advantages but also places immense pressure on players like Towns to perform consistently from all areas of the court. As the series progresses, the Timberwolves and Towns will have to recalibrate their strategy, possibly taking a leaf out of veteran advice to find success both inside and beyond the arc.
This saga of claims, critiques, and coaching tips unfolds as a compelling narrative in the NBA playoffs, blending high-octane basketball action with strategic gameplay discussions, making it a fascinating case study for fans and analysts alike. As the Timberwolves look to bounce back, all eyes will be on Towns to see if he can adjust his game and prove his critics wrong.
