Timberwolves have already found the key to remain in title contention

After making a major tweak to their core this offseason, expectations around the Minnesota Timberwolves have only gotten stronger. LaMelo Ball is now the one playing second fiddle to Anthony Edwards instead of Julius Randle, and to take advantage of that switcheroo, Chris Finch wants his team to play faster.

What Finch wants is precisely the most ideal way to unleash the talent on the roster. The Wolves have a lot of standout athletes on the team, and pushing the pace is the best way for them to unlock their capabilities on the offensive end and consequently, bolster their title odds.

Timberwolves already know the formula to remain in title contention

Minnesota took a big leap in the pace department this past season, ranking 10th on that end after logging the sixth-slowest pace in the league the year prior. Finch, however, is not yet content with the speed the team played with in their previous campaign.

Ball is an all-world kickstarter on the offensive end who thrives best when he is out in the open floor. Obviously, Edwards is an athletic freak who will also benefit from a faster style of play. 

Aside from those two, the Timberwolves also have the personnel that would be conducive to playing faster. Newcomer Jonathan Kuminga is a springy forward who has always fared better in a more freestyle offense. Ditto for Jaden McDaniels, who has made enough strides on offense to be a dangerous operator on that end.

Most people expect the Spurs and the Thunder to lord over the West with the Timberwolves trailing them. However, if Minnesota can unlock another level on offense, they might just have what it takes to shake up the expected hierarchy in the conference.

Playing fast will be this team's identity this season. If they can master that, their offense might be good enough to finally push them over the hump.