First conclusions from the Charlotte Hornets’ third defeat in a row, a beating in Minne

The Charlotte Hornets could never find their rhythm against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards and company jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter and kept LaMelo Ball’s Hornets at arm’s length from then on. Here are some early takeaways from the Hornets’ third straight losing effort.

The Timberwolves were brutal on defense. Every Hornets ballhandler was rushed from the moment they touched the ball, receiving terrible treatment from every Minnesota defender who took the floor. Chris Finchs’ side is full of long-armed full-backs, and they made life difficult for the Hornets all night. Their pressure forced Charlotte’s hand on every offensive possession.

Charlotte turned the ball over twelve times. The Hornets had brief bursts of consistent offense but were stuck in neutral from the opening tip due to Minnesota’s defense. On top of these turnovers, there were rushing shots into the paint from drivers who were off balance and knocked off their spots by Minnesota’s brutal defense. That constant pressure in the area, combined with Rudy Gobert’s imposing stature in the painted area, made Charlotte difficult to offend on Monday night in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves can play basketball. The NBA world at large was shocked when Minnesota sent All-Star Karl Anthony-Towns to the Knicks, but the additions of Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle have improved the Timberwolves roster, which was a few games shy of the NBA Finals last season , improved enormously. DiVincenzo’s shooting, playmaking and defense are a perfect fit for Minnesota’s rising team, and his versatility has elevated their second unit to championship levels. In my opinion, the Timberwolves are a backup point guard (Rob Dillingham?) to join the Oklahoma City Thunder as co-favorites to win the Western Conference.

“Unc” was seen in limited action. Gibson was a surprise addition to the Hornets starting lineup, which still exists without Nick Richards and Mark Williams, and the Hornets elder statesmen came to play. An early three-point hit, an offensive rebound and the ensuing putback got Charlotte off to a fast start. Gibson battled Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle admirably domestically, proving there is still some game left in his veteran frame.

The rookie has been incredible in preseason action. Salaün’s jump shoot looked beyond his years, and his Energizer Bunny-like activity kept him competitive against fellow reserve players for a long time. When the action has turned up and the opposition rotations have been shortened, Salaün has failed to live up to his pre-season expectations. He could use some time with the swarm.

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 for an easy commute for Salaün as he bounces back and forth between the Swarm and the senior Hornets. A few weeks in Greensboro to further develop his lateral agility on defense, his ball handling and refining his shooting stroke will be good for his present and future in the NBA.

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