Mike Conley

From Towns' struggles to not stopping the Mavs' backcourt, the Wolves seem powerless to turn anything into an advantage in the series.

Both Western Conference finalists pushed in even more chips after some initial major swings. And the strategy is paying off.

The marquee superstar matchup is Luka Dončić vs. Anthony Edwards. How will each opponent guard the other's best option?

Yes, you can still play defense in today's NBA. And Minnesota's performance against Denver is proof.

While many of the NBA's elder statesmen are watching the playoffs, the 36-year-old Conley is thriving alongside a rising superstar.

Relentless defense has been the Wolves' identity all season. "We smell blood in the water and things... accelerate," coach Chris Finch said.

This isn't a fluke, Timberwolves fans. Minnesota is playing for something it hasn't done in years.

The Suns-Wolves series is not over, but Phoenix has issues that need immediate attention upon its return to the desert.

"I told the guys that, selfishly, do it for me, man," Conley said. "Help me out. Meet me at my level right now because I don’t have long."

The Wolves had one of those nights against the Suns, but recent slow first-quarter starts with poor shooting and turnovers are concerning.

The Wolves were slogging along in a mundane game against Utah. Then their All-Star guard pulled off the dunk of the year.

Much as he did in previous seasons in Memphis and Utah, the point guard has been a steady influence for a Wolves team with title hopes.

Everything looks a little harder for Conley right now, and he acknowledges being in a bit of a funk at the moment.

"We’re getting it all out of the way right now," Kyle Anderson said with a grin about the team's mistakes. "Playoffs are gonna be great."

But Sacramento has run circles around the Wolves In its two games in Minnesota, including a 124-120 overtime win Friday night.

The veteran guard has yet to win a title, and with the Timberwolves, Tim Connelly sees a chance to potentially do that.

What did we think of last year's moves? And how right (or wrong) were we?

Conley's name is not in the All-Star mix this season, but this team goes as its point guard does.