Nickeil Alexander-Walker faced significant challenges during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ initial playoff games, struggling to find his rhythm and contribute meaningfully. In an effort to rekindle his momentum, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch urged him to embrace his previous successful form. Alexander-Walker responded emphatically, delivering a stellar performance in Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors, where he scored 20 points and showcased his defensive skills.
Finch acknowledged his crucial role, emphasizing the team’s need for his versatility and toughness on the court. Alexander-Walker expressed gratitude for the coaching staff’s confidence in him, noting how their belief encouraged him to tackle the challenges head-on. He stated, “When you face adversity, you’ve got to step up to it. You can’t back down.”
Despite earlier struggles, where he shot a mere 22% from three-point range in his prior games, Alexander-Walker maintained a positive mindset. He highlighted the importance of trusting the law of averages and focusing on the hard work required to improve, stating, “He works his butt off every single day. He’s the first one in the gym every single day,” as noted by teammate Julius Randle.
In a shift from his previous mindset of pressure-induced optimism, Alexander-Walker redirected his focus towards the controllable aspects of his game, including rebounding and pacing, which contributed to a more liberated playing style. This approach not only helped alleviate the stress of scoring but also allowed him to better support his team in essential areas beyond scoring.
His recent performance serves as a reminder of his multifaceted value to the team, proving that when he plays within himself and embraces the whole spectrum of his skills, he helps elevate the entire Timberwolves squad. The hope is that this breakthrough will build confidence and pave the way for continued success as the playoffs advance.