New additions Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo show off at the Wolves' first home opener

“It was unbelievable,” he said of the ovation he received before the game. “I didn't expect that at all. I don’t know what it is, but since I got hired here, from the organization to the players to the coaches to the people you meet at restaurants, everyone here is just so nice.”

The Wolves gave away the most valuable player in Towns in their major offseason trade. One way this deal could work is if DiVincenzo helps replace Towns' three-point production and he and Randle help the Wolves play faster.

Last season, Wolves coach Chris Finch placed emphasis on defense. This year he wants to see better offensive flow and efficiency.

DiVincenzo is a shooting guard who can play like a point guard. Despite his size, Randle is able to grab a rebound and make the break. Despite his size, Naz Reid is one of the Wolves' best ball handlers.

When asked before the game if he would play at a higher tempo this season, Finch said: “Yes, we were just talking about it in the coaches' dressing room. As we get a little more comfortable and settled in, things become a little more automatic. We struggled to recover against LA, so you're not really going to run if you don't get the ball. We just didn't force many turnovers. But I think Julius will really help us in transition by rebounding and pressing the ball. Naz is a rebound and push guy.”

The Wolves' emphasis on having some of their biggest players play fast is partly because they don't have any pure point guards in their current rotation.