Lacking a classic shot-blocker until Ryan Hollins consistently proves he is one, Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis has made legally blocking an opponent’s path to the basket a point of emphasis with a defense that until the past two games has been what forward Kevin Love called “pretty terrible.”

Swatting a shot into the third row is one way of discouraging an opponent from attacking the basket.

Sacrificing your body to draw a charge is another.
In fact, Rambis says, it’s better.