Finch: T-Wolves understanding 'how important defense is to us'

The Minnesota Timberwolves' defense is starting to click amid a three-game winning streak.

"This is two games in a row where we've played our most complete basketball on both sides of the ball," T-Wolves coach Chris Finch told The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski after Wednesday's 108-80 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. "This is what we've got to do. We haven't been doing that, and we're starting to figure it out and find a rhythm and understand how important defense is to us."

The T-Wolves are leading the NBA in defensive rating over the last three contests with an impressive 86.6. They're also allowing the least defensive field goals made during this stretch with just 32.3 per game.

Minnesota's defense is anchored by reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. The Frenchman was electric against the Clippers, putting up eight points, nine rebounds, one block, and five steals.

"We know who we are. We know what team we can be, and we know our identity," Gobert told T-Wolves reporter Lea B. Olsen postgame. "When we are doing that, good things happen."

The T-Wolves held the Clippers to 35% shooting from the field, forced 21 turnovers, and allowed 32 first-half points, the fewest they've conceded in an opening half since 2015. Clippers star James Harden didn't score a field goal until halfway through the third quarter.

Minnesota has allowed 80 points in each of the last two games to the Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, the team's two lowest point totals allowed this season.

"I love that we kept our focus," Gobert added. "We know that sometimes when things go well, we tend to relax. The next step for us is to not relax, it's to stay locked in."

The T-Wolves will look to stretch their winning streak to four Friday against the Golden State Warriors.