The Charlotte Hornets were never able to find their rhythm against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards and company built a double-digit lead in the second quarter and kept LaMelo Ball’s Hornets at bay from then on. Here are some early takeaways from the Hornets’ third straight loss.

The Timberwolves were relentless on defense. Every Hornets ballplayer was stalked from the second they touched the ball and treated cruelly by every Minnesota defender who took the floor. Chris Finch’s squad is made up of long-armed wing defenders who made life difficult for the Hornets all night long. Their pressure forced Charlotte to control every offensive possession.

Charlotte turned the ball over twelve times. The Hornets had brief periods of consistent offense, but remained neutral from the start due to Minnesota’s defense. Compounding these turnovers were rushed shots from off-balance drivers who were pushed off their spots by Minnesota’s fierce defense. That constant perimeter pressure, combined with Rudy Gobert’s imposing stature in the painted area, made it difficult for Charlotte to create easy offense on Monday night in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves can play basketball. The entire NBA world was shocked when Minnesota sent All-Star Karl Anthony-Towns to the Knicks, but new additions Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle have the Timberwolves’ roster that was just a few games away from the NBA Finals last season , significantly improved. DiVincenzo’s shooting, playmaking and defense are a perfect fit for Minnesota’s emerging roster, and his versatility has elevated their second unit to championship level. In my opinion, the Timberwolves have a backup point guard (Rob Dillingham?) who doesn’t go to the Oklahoma City Thunder as co-favorites to win the Western Conference.

“Unc” showed up in limited action. Gibson was a surprise addition to the Hornets’ starting lineup, still without Nick Richards and Mark Williams, and the Hornets’ elder statesmen came to play. An early three-pointer, an offensive rebound and a subsequent putback got Charlotte off to a fast start. Gibson fought admirably against Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle in interior defense, proving there is still some game left in his experienced body.

The rookie was incredible in pre-season. Salaün’s jump shot seemed beyond his years and his Energizer Bunny-like activity kept him competitive against other backup players in long stints. As the action picked up pace and opponents’ rotations shortened, Salaün was unable to live up to his preseason expectations. He could use some time with the crush.

The NBA game still seems a little fast for the NBA’s youngest player, and there’s no shame in that. The proximity between Greensboro and Charlotte makes it an easy trip for Salaün if he ends up going back and forth between the Swarm and the older Hornets. A few weeks in Greensboro to further develop his lateral agility on defense, his ball handling and fine-tuning his shooting stroke will be good for his present and future in the NBA.

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