The Minnesota Timberwolves feel as confident as they have all season ahead of their NBA Cup West Group A matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night in Minneapolis.

It all starts on defense, players and coaches agree.

The Timberwolves will go for their fourth victory in a row when they tip off in NBA Cup group stage action.

"Our sense of urgency and our focus on the little things has been better," Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert said about his team's improved play on defense. "We realize that, for us, it's a non-negotiable if we want to achieve our goal.

"This is something that we have to do every night, regardless of who is on the floor."

The Timberwolves have won five of their past six games, and in those five victories they have not allowed more than 117 points in a game.

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