Through 13 games, the Timberwolves own an 8-5 record. Perhaps it’s too early to look fully into the standings, but they are tied for the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. On Saturday, they saw their four-game win streak come to a conclusion as they were defeated 123-112 by the Nuggets. That loss just continued the disturbing trend of the Wolves being unable to beat a team with a winning record.
Timberwolves now 0-5 against winning teams
It was a close game for much of Saturday with Denver possessing just a two-point lead through three quarters. The Nuggets outscored Minnesota 36-26, though in the final stanza, to secure the 12-point win. The disappointing part for the Timberwolves is that a two-point lead increased to eight in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter while three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was resting.
With the loss, the Timberwolves are now 0-5 against teams with winning records. Their 8-5 record is a little misleading because it has come against an early schedule featuring many subpar teams.
Speaking to the media after the game, Randle spoke about the team not having a win yet against a team that is over .500.
“The NBA is the NBA, this is the toughest league as long as I’ve been in it, Randle said. We typically play well in big games, we just haven’t this year so far. If there’s anything I know about this team at all, we’ll adjust it and make corrections and be ready for those moments in the future.”
Julius Randle on winning against teams below .500 and being 0-5 against teams above .500
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) November 16, 2025
“The NBA is the NBA, this is the toughest league as long as I’ve been in it… we typically play well in big games, we just haven’t this year so far. If there’s anything I know about this… pic.twitter.com/b669pUUY1W
It was a golden opportunity for Minnesota to get that first win against a good team, as the Nuggets were down two starters: Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson. The Timberwolves’ five losses this season have come to the 10-2 Nuggets (twice), 10-4 Lakers (twice), and 8-4 Knicks.
They do have one win against a .500 team as they defeated the 6-6 Trail Blazers in the season opener. Otherwise, Minnesota’s other seven wins have come against the 1-12 Pacers, 4-9 Hornets, 1-11 Nets, 4-8 Jazz (twice), and 3-10 Kings (twice).
Next two games against struggling teams
The Timberwolves’ next opportunity to finally defeat a team with a winning record comes on November 21. They will be taking on a surprising Suns team that is 8-5 and has won its last 5 outings.
Prior to that, Minnesota has two more opportunities to beef up its win total against teams off to rough starts. On Monday and Wednesday, they are at the Target Center to face the 3-10 Mavericks and the 1-11 Wizards.
It seemed like many in the media were doubting the Timberwolves before the season began, despite them making back-to-back conference finals appearances. Those doubts remain due to their performances against the better teams.