I must admit, I watched most of the last playoff game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors, teed off at my hometown Wolves. With a lackluster Game 1 loss and a Julius Randle and Nickeil Alexander-Walker-fueled Game 2 win, I looked forward to my team exerting its dominance to dominate both the tempo and pace of the game. And I was certain that this would be the night Anthony (Ant) Edwards would break out of his scoring doldrums. But through three quarters on Saturday night, I was not a happy camper.

But with less than eight minutes left in the game and the Wolves down by five, the tide turned in a big way for Minnesota. With Ant scoring 28 of his 36 points in the second half and Randle laying down a triple-double, the Timberwolves poured it on for a 102-87 final score. As for the Warriors, their Big 3 couldn’t help them at the end. Stephen Curry remained out of action with his hamstring strain. Draymond Green fouled out with 4.38 minutes left in the fourth quarter. And Jimmy (Buckets) Butler ran out of gas as he shot 1-7 in the fourth quarter.

Let’s examine what the Wolves need to do to bring home a victory in Game 4.

Wolves Offense

As much as they can, the Wolves should run their offense through Randle. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has likened him to a point forward. He has also discovered a way to be a conduit without it affecting his scoring output. His drives to the basket and creates opportunities for his teammates. Hopefully, this is the moment where Ant plays a dynamic offensive game for all 48 minutes. Hitting his threes is important, but he is most dangerous when he drives to the basket and takes the shot, draws a foul, or dishes to a teammate.

Naz Reid must stay out of foul trouble. Having him on the bench for long periods on Saturday night hurt the Wolves ‘ three-point potential and overall offensive flow. Let Jaden McDaniels be Jaden McDaniels and encourage him to be the three-and-d-maven that he is. Rudy Gobert can swoop in and contribute his 7-10 points on alley-oops and put-backs off of offensive rebounds. And Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo, and Walker can fill in the rest, as the Wolves would be hitting on all cylinders.

Pesky Defense

On defense, pressure Jimmy Buckets. Put Randle, Ant, McDaniels, and Walker on him and then run them through again. Butler is still a great player, but the wear and tear of being the focal point of the Warriors’ offense and defense is starting to tire him out. As much as you can, take the three-point shot away from Buddy Hield. It’s the way he can damage you the most, but he can’t beat you by himself. The same goes for Jonathan Kuminga. Play him tough one-on-one, but ultimately, he cannot take you down without a lot of help.

Let Green launch as many three-pointers as he would like. He’s a streaky shooter to begin with, and if he is positioned around the arc, it means he is not under the basket scooping up offensive rebounds. And hopefully, Gobert is a swat machine like he was in Game 3. He was a huge factor in the middle, blocking and altering shots that took away much of the Warriors ‘ offense within the paint.

Recap

Julius Randle has exorcised his demons from past playoffs, and he has been the best and most dominant player on the court for either team. If Ant can regain his offensive form and Naz Reid stays out of foul trouble, it could be a long night for Golden State. And with Curry out until at least Game 6 of this series, tonight is a must-win game for the Warriors.