At this time last year, the Timberwolves were 5-6, and were starting a nightmare season, which was going to end with a lousy 31-51 record. This left them 12th in the Western conference at the end of the season. That said, there was a small detail that we shouldn’t exclude: Kevin Love’s injury plagued season; his body allowing him to play in only 18 games.

Now Minnesota are 7-4, 7th in what looks like one of the strongest Western Conferences ever; San Antonio, Oklahoma, Houston, Golden State and Los Angeles all being serious title contenders. Kevin Love has never looked so strong, and his game averages prove exactly that: 26.8 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Second on the MVP ladder, he could be a serious contender to take over Lebron James’ spot.

Basketball may be a team game, but it’s incredible how one player can lift everybody’s game up. Although Love may be the undeniable leader of the franchise, Ricky Rubio’s staggering passing cannot be overlooked: He has 9.6 assists per game, and some of his passes just leave you mesmerized. He looks like a new man out there with Love on the court, as shown by his triple-double a few games back, which from a point guard is always more impressive. Oh and let’s not forget Kevin Martin, who has 24.4 points per game, which is also brilliant.

Though Minnesota’s record isn’t anything special, their stats undoubtedly are. As a team they are in the top 5 for Points, Rebounds and assists. Even more special, they have a player in the top 3 for each of those categories (Kevin Love third in points, second in rebounds, and Rubio second in assists).

Stats may not tell the whole story, but they certainly play a big part – especially team stats. So why are they “only” 7th? Simple answer: Of their 11 games so far, they have played some of the most elite teams in the league; including the Knicks, Thunder, Warriors, Cavaliers (twice), Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets. Unfortunately for them, their schedule for the rest of November looks no easier, including match-ups against Clippers, Nets, Rockets, Pacers, Nuggets, Thunder and Spurs. But this is an 82 game season, and there will be times were the Timberwolves can really rack up the wins.

The future looks bright for Minnesota. Kevin Love on MVP form, Rubio looking like the passing Point Guard of the future (with CP3 of course) and players such as Martin and Pekovic who are solid night in and night out. The fans just have one thing in mind: To see their team going far in the playoffs, although that will be hard in such an elite conference.

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Main photo credit: Keith Allison via photopin cc