Target Center was a house of horrors for Timberwolves in last year’s playoffs. Can they turn that around?

Target Center figures to be bumping at p m Friday when the Timberwolves host the Lakers in Competition of the first-round series Naz Reid still remembers the home roars from Minnesota s last meager playoff appearances The building gets jarringly loud ahead of the opening tip It s an atmosphere well suited for such a stage The question is will fans have something to cheer for when play begins The answer was frequently No at the end of last year s postseason run Minnesota spanked Phoenix in its two first-round home games After that the Wolves won just one of their final five home postseason contests They went - against Denver in the conference semifinals and went - against Dallas in the West Finals Luka Doncic who will lead the Lakers into Minneapolis on Friday won just as several playoff games at Target Center last season as the Wolves did I think we do have to establish a home court in these playoffs especially against teams like the Lakers Wolves guard Mike Conley commented Because while Target Center is usually packed with Wolves fans and figures to largely be so again Friday Los Angeles has a national fan base that is spread across the country When the Lakers tally a bucket during the regular season there is a contingent of folks in the arena cheering them on even in Minnesota That is sure to be the affair again in Championship We have to use our fans as momentum and the atmosphere to push us forward and create an identity that gives them something to cheer for and get behind Conley commented I think we re going to do that I think we re going to have a lot of strength and be ready to go Timberwolves coach Chris Finch thought complacency may have been a culprit for Minnesota s home struggles against Denver in last year s playoffs The Wolves are at their best when they play with an edge Sometimes they lose that in their own friendly confines The Wolves went - this season at Target Center the second-worst home record among all Western Conference playoff teams It s kind of formidable because you are at home so you are a little bit laxed Reid stated But it s the playoffs Have that sense of urgency being mindful and understanding of the time and situation we re in right now I think we ll all be all right The fans are great They have been great and I think playing in our home circumstances is definitely helpful especially when you re in the playoffs Conley noted when the Wolves are on the road they have no distractions and are focused solely on silencing the crowd At home we need to find a way to pick up our crowd he mentioned get our crowd involved and make it a very very tough and hostile ecosystem like teams can be on the road when we go on the road Related Articles Timberwolves Playoffs Reserves again ignite club s best play Pack of rabid Timberwolves harass Lakers en direction to Challenge rout Donte DiVincenzo Naz Reid suspended for Wolves contest Tuesday in Denver It s no longer just Anthony Edwards Timberwolves are flush with players who can attack the rim Timberwolves tie franchise record for largest comeback in stunning overtime win over Thunder