Saturday had to feel like deja vu for the Timberwolves and their fans. After complete meltdowns against the Suns and Kings to begin the three-game losing streak they were on, no lead could feel safe.
Once again, Minnesota blew a late lead on Saturday, this time against the Celtics. The Timberwolves exorcised their demons though and held on for the win.
Timberwolves find a way to avoid another meltdown on Saturday
Against the Celtics with just 3:50 remaining, an Anthony Edwards layup gave the Timberwolves a 12-point lead. Normally, fans can start to breathe easier with a double-digit lead with less than four minutes left. Minnesota fans knew better after their recent outings against Phoenix and Sacramento.
It only took 2:12 of game time for Boston to tie it up. The Celtics went on a 12-0 run over that period, and the Timberwolves shot 0-4 with a turnover. Jaylen Brown’s 3-pointer with 1:38 left tied the game at 110. Visions of the Suns and Kings games were likely dancing in the heads of those in attendance at the Target Center.
You can forgive the Timberwolves fanbase for feeling pessimistic as this was occurring. Unlike their two recent blown late leads, though, Minnesota found a way to be victorious against the Celtics. A 9-2 run by the Wolves was started with a Mike Conley 3-pointer. Two free throws and a 3-pointer by Edwards helped secure the win.
GOODNESS. 🐜 pic.twitter.com/H5FimrFHZn
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 30, 2025
Finally, a night where Timberwolves fans could rest well in bed after a couple nights where falling asleep probably wasn't easy.
Avoid four-game losing streak with victory
On November 21, the Timberwolves held an eight-point lead against the Suns with less than a minute to go and lost. On November 24, Minnesota was up 10 against the Kings with under three minutes remaining and lost in overtime. While blowing a lead again against the Celtics wasn’t ideal, it had to feel good to avoid what occurred in those games against Phoenix and Sacramento.
It also marked the first win this season for the Timberwolves against a team currently over .500. Minnesota entered Saturday with an 0-7 record against winning teams (although Boston could drop to .500 if they lose on the road against the Cavaliers on Sunday).
The victory improved Minnesota’s record to 11-8 and helped them avoid their first four-game losing streak in a year. The Timberwolves will look for another win against a winning team on Sunday when they take on the 13-5 Spurs.