Timberwolves' inconsistent offense hurts them again in Game 5

The Timberwolves scored only nine points in the first quarter of Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the third-fewest points in a quarter in NBA playoff history. They finished the first half down 65-32, with their 32 points being the ninth-lowest total in a playoff first half.

As bad as their offense was, the 32-point half is not their worst opening half in these playoffs. In Game 1 of their second-round series with the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota put up only 31 points, which is the fifth-worst first half in NBA history. At least in that game, the Timberwolves trailed by only 13 points at halftime, though they went on to lose, 99-88.

In Wednesday's game, they trailed by 33 points at the break and had more turnovers than made shots, 14-12. It's hard to win an elimination game with those kinds of numbers.

For an NBA superstar, Edwards can be passive on offense at times, especially when teams send double teams. When players like Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker aren't making three-pointers, nor is Edwards himself, the Minnesota offense can stagnate. That's also true when teams have enough size to slow down Randle, who is vulnerable to being stripped when he backs defenders down.

It's also a sign that Minnesota needs to add another true point guard this summer. Conley has had a great career, but he's 37 years old and can only play so many minutes. A new point guard — maybe 2024 No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham — would help Edwards and get his teammates the ball in better places.

They'll have plenty of time to figure it out. After OKC's 124-94 win in Game 5, the Timberwolves will have all summer to dwell on another five-game Western Conference Finals defeat.