The NBA this season has shaved the 10-second rule to an eight-second rule, meaning teams must advance the ball past the center line within eight heartbeats or face a turnover.

The rule change was made in hopes of speeding up games and game scores. It hasn't hurt Minnesota, which has picked up its transition game by extending outlet passes and allowing everyone to speed the ball up the court. The Wolves have averaged 94.7 points in their first three games, 16th best in the NBA before Sunday's games.

"Especially with the way we're trying to play, it really should take us only four seconds to get across," Billups said.

In addition, the Wolves have increased defensive pressure on opposing point guards by trapping or having someone pick them up full court.

"You try to pick up every time and try to take some time off the clock," Brandon said. "The opposing point guard is aware that you're there. It can make a difference."

The Wolves committed only one eight-second violation through three games, although Billups, who was running the offense at the time against the Philadelphia 76ers, said forced passes while trying to beat the count might have contributed to others. The same holds true for Wolves opponents, who have only one eight-second violation but 45 turnovers.