The Charlotte Hornets they 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 Hornets LaMelo Ball at arm’s length from there. Here are some initial takeaways from the Hornets’ third straight losing effort.

The Timberwolves were relentless on the defensive end. Every Hornets ball-handler was hounded from the moment he touched the ball, receiving hellish treatment from every Minnesota quarterback who spoke. Chris Finchs side are loaded with long-armed defenders 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 12 times. The Hornets had brief bursts of consistent offense, but were stuck in neutral from the opening tip because of Minnesota’s defense. Additionally, there were rushes in the paint from off-balance drives that were snuffed out by Minnesota’s hectic defense. That consistent pressure on the perimeter, combined with Rudy Gobert’s towering stature in the paint, made Charlotte’s easy offense hard to come by Monday night in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves can play some 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 greatly improved a Timberwolves team that was a few games away from the NBA Finals last season. DiVincenzo’s shooting, playmaking and defense are a perfect fit for Minnesota’s up-and-coming squad, and his versatility has carried their second unit to a championship level. In my opinion, the Timberwolves are one backup point guard away (Rob Dillingham?) from joining the Oklahoma City Thunder as co-favorites to win the Western Conference.

“Unc” appeared in limited action. Gibson was a surprise addition to the Hornets’ starting line-up, which is still without Nick Richards and Mark Williams, and the Hornets’ elder statesmen came to play. An early three-pointer, an offensive rebound and an ensuing layup got Charlotte off to a fast start. Gibson battled inside against Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle admirably, showing there’s still some game left in his veteran frame.

The rookie has been unbelievable in preseason action. Salaün’s shooting looked beyond his years, and his Energizer Bunny activity kept him competitive for long periods against fellow backups. When the action picked up and opposition rotations shortened, Salaün failed to live up to his preseason billing. Could use some time with the Swarm.

The NBA game still seems a little fast for the youngest player in the NBA, and there’s no shame in that. The proximity between Greensboro and Charlotte is an easy trip for Salaün if he ends up bouncing back and forth between the Swarm and the senior Hornets. A few weeks in Greensboro to continue developing his lateral defensive agility, ball handling and fine-tuning of his shooting stroke will bode well for his present and future in the NBA.

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