The Minnesota Timberwolves have not been a successful franchise during much of their history by any stretch of the imagination. They have the lowest winning percentage of any NBA team who has played at least 1000 games. They have never made the NBA Finals, let alone take home the trophy. Famously, they drafted two point guards ahead of Stephen Curry in the 2009 NBA Draft. All of this to say, their current seven game win streak is approaching uncharted territory. It matches last season’s run of seven wins for their best streak since 2004. Yet despite recent success, the Wolves still find themselves stuck behind the Golden State Warriors in seventh place in the West.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves Win Streak, Seven is Heaven
Health and Heart Leading to Wins
The Timberwolves win streak coincided with Julius Randle’s return to the lineup. It also started around the time Rudy Gobert recovered from back spasms and Donte DiVincenzo’s toe sprain healed. With three of their top eight players injured, rookies such as Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham made real contributions, but it’s clear that a fully healthy Wolves roster is what is necessary. Most recently, a win over the Orlando Magic saw the Wolves enter the fourth quarter trailing by nine points. Instead of folding or forcing shots to get back in it, patience and hustle sparked a comeback. Led by DiVincenzo’s 4-4 shooting in the final frame, Minnesota chipped away. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels slammed the door shut with some big triples and suffocating defense.
Seven Straight Wins, Stuck in Seventh Place
As well as Minnesota has been playing, their place in the Western Conference standings hasn’t changed. The Warriors, a game ahead in the loss column (also one less win), have won 13 of 14 games with Jimmy Butler in the lineup. The Houston Rockets have won five straight themselves, moving all the way up to the third seed. Luckily for the Wolves, their remaining schedule is the easiest of any West team and should help their chances at escaping the Play-In Tournament. The sixth seed is a significant step down from last season. However, a healthy Wolves team is a dangerous first round matchup for whoever they face. It’s clear from their current play that the roster is clicking, and they expect to win every night.
How Long Could the Streak Last?
Three of Minnesota’s next four games come against the only two teams to have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans. If the Wolves can take care of the bottom feeders, they have a shot at franchise history. In 2001, Minnesota won 11 straight games. In the 24 years since, they have never hit double digit wins in a row. If Edwards finds out he has a chance at another Timberwolves record, chances are good he’ll make it happen. Reaching 12 straight wins is a real possibility for the team, and it couldn’t come at a better time in the season.
Photo credit: © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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