When the 2025-26 season began, there was a common theme taking place with the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the most part, they were beating the teams they should have. Against teams with winning records, they would almost always take an L in the standings.
Over an 82-game regular season, trends can often change for an NBA squad. As we are rapidly approaching the halfway point of the 2025-26 season, the Timberwolves are no longer having a rough go against over .500 teams.
They started with a 0-7 record against teams with winning records. However, they have since been 8-2 against such teams. The only 2 losses came by three points against Phoenix on December 8 and in overtime playing the Nuggets on Christmas Day.
Timberwolves win another game against a winning team
While the Cleveland Cavaliers have been disappointing, they are still over .500 for the season. After Thursday’s 131-122 loss in Minnesota, Cleveland has now fallen to 21-18. It was a balanced scoring night for the Wolves as four players finished with at least 22 points, led by Julius Randle's 28.
Excellent win for the Timberwolves. Balanced, precise offense. Made the plays needed down the stretch.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) January 9, 2026
Anthony Edwards: 25, 9a, 7r ... 10K career points
Randle: 28p, 11r, 8a
McDaniels: 26p, 11-14 FG
Gobert: 11p, 13r
DiVincenzo: 22p, 6-10 3s
Wolves are rolling
With the victory, Minnesota has improved to 8-9 this season against teams that are over .500. The Timberwolves can get to .500, and over .500, against winning teams on their schedule this weekend. On Saturday, they again play the Cavs, this time in Cleveland. This Sunday, they head back home to take on the 26-11 San Antonio Spurs.
Minnesota is still mostly winning the games they should on their ledger (17-4 record against non-winning teams). The improved play against the better teams has helped the Timberwolves vault to fourth in the Western Conference with a 25-13 record. It’s tight, as they sit just a half-game behind the Denver Nuggets for third, and also a game ahead of the Houston Rockets, who are in sixth.
Have completely changed the noise on early-season narrative
There was much chatter surrounding the Timberwolves through the first month of the season, surrounding their inability to beat the better teams. It was something that Chris Finch, Anthony Edwards, and other players would often be asked about.
A couple of those losses were heartbreakers. On October 29, Austin Reaves hit a floater at the buzzer to secure a one-point win for the Los Angeles Lakers. Minnesota blew an eight-point lead against the Phoenix Suns in the final minute on November 21. A Collin Gillespie floater with six seconds left gave Phoenix the lead, which they held on to.
Of course, being able to beat good teams is a clear part of being a true title contender, and the Wolves' recent play is proving they're an elite team.