Timberwolves Notes

Alexander-Walker produced eight points (3-11 FG, 2-9 3Pt), two rebounds and two blocks across 28 minutes during Tuesday’s 114-88 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo had some nice moments on defense in the first half, but combined to shoot 6-for-25 from the field. Ultimately, the Thunder ran away with this game with a 38-22 third quarter. With Mike Conley having a tough postseason, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Alexander-Walker played a larger role in this series.

DiVincenzo recorded nine points (3-14 FG, 3-12 3Pt), one rebound, two assists, one block and two steals over 30 minutes during Tuesday’s 114-88 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

It’s no secret that DiVincenzo has had his struggles in the postseason, though he has played well on the defensive side of things. Through 11 postseason games, he’s shooting 31.7 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from beyond the arc with 8.1 points, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals.

McDaniels recorded seven points (3-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt), six rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 24 minutes before fouling out of Tuesday’s 114-88 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Minnesota tried to cover Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with McDaniels, and that’s likely to be the plan for the duration of this series, but it didn’t work out Tuesday with the forward fouling out in 24 minutes. Apart from Tuesday’s game, McDaniels has been excellent through 11 postseason games with 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.4 steals on 55.6 percent shooting from the field.