The Timberwolves Had More Turnovers Than Made Shots in the First Half of Game 5 😳

It was a nightmare start in the biggest game of the season.

In the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered one of their ugliest performances of the playoffs — and maybe of the entire year. The stat that said it all? They had more turnovers than made field goals.

Yes, you read that right.

The Timberwolves committed 13 turnovers while managing to make just 10 shots from the field in the first two quarters. In a game where precision and poise were critical, Minnesota looked disoriented, rushed, and completely out of sync.

A Collapse Under Pressure

Facing elimination, the Wolves needed to come out with urgency, focus, and energy. But instead, they looked rattled and hesitant, especially on the offensive end. Passes were off-target, decision-making was rushed, and ball security was a mess.

Whether it was forced feeds into the post, sloppy ball-handling from the guards, or miscommunications in transition, Minnesota simply couldn’t get into a rhythm. Credit also goes to the opposing defense, which swarmed passing lanes and applied relentless on-ball pressure from the opening tip.

The result? A staggering first-half meltdown that left fans shaking their heads and the team in a double-digit hole heading into halftime.

Ant Edwards, Nowhere to Be Found Early

Anthony Edwards has been the heart and soul of the Timberwolves throughout the playoffs, but even he struggled to find any traction in the opening half. Double-teams, tight contests, and aggressive traps forced the young star into tough shots and hurried passes.

He wasn’t alone — Karl-Anthony Towns also struggled to establish his presence down low, and Minnesota’s shooters were ice cold from deep. But Edwards’ inability to steady the offense only amplified the team’s struggles.

When your primary scorer can’t find clean looks — and your team turns the ball over more than they convert baskets — it’s a recipe for disaster.

A Tale of Two Halves?

The big question entering the third quarter: could the Timberwolves reset, regroup, and salvage their season? The hole was deep, but not impossible — especially with a defense as strong as Minnesota’s.

But the reality is that playoff games — especially elimination games — often hinge on early momentum. And the Timberwolves gave all of that away in the opening 24 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Turnovers are always a concern, but having more of them than made field goals in a first half of a do-or-die playoff game? That’s the kind of stat that haunts you. It’s not just about bad luck or missed shots — it’s about focus, execution, and composure, all of which were missing in action.

For a young team trying to take the next step on the biggest stage, this was a harsh reminder: talent alone isn’t enough. You have to take care of the ball. You have to be ready from the jump. And above all, you have to play like your season depends on it.

Because it just might.