The Minnesota Timberwolves have turned the past few days into the platform for a championship statement. It began when Minnesota proved it could win a shootout against a team with top-tier offensive talent, securing a 124-121 win over Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and the Philadelphia 76ers.
It continued just two days later, when the Clippers defeated the surging LA Clippers 94-88 in a dominant defensive display.
The Clippers were down Kawhi Leonard, which is clearly essential context. Despite that truth, it was the first time that LA had been held below 90 points since Oct. 28—when it played its fourth game of the 2025-26 regular season.
For the Timberwolves, however, it was the second time in a month that it managed to hold an opponent below the 90-point threshold.
Therein lies the reality of how the Timberwolves made back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. They may not lock opponents down every time they play, but when the situation calls for it, Minnesota can smother teams with its defensive acumen and versatility.
Compounded by the fact that it's 2-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as 2-1 against the San Antonio Spurs, it's safe to call the Timberwolves true contenders.
Timberwolves can win shootouts, lock opponents down, beat contenders
Minnesota's balance shouldn't surprise anyone who's kept an eye on their season. They rank No. 8 in the NBA in defensive rating, No. 10 in offensive rating, and No. 9 in net rating. They're one of six teams to rank in the top 10 in all three categories.
The other teams are all regarded as legitimate championship contenders: The Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics.
On a broader scale, Minnesota is now 37-23, which has it just 1.0 game off the pace for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. If Chris Finch and the Timberwolves have proven anything, however, it's that home-court advantage isn't necessary for them to win in the playoffs.
Over the past two years, the Timberwolves have won three series as the lower seed en route to their back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances.
Timberwolves rank in the top 10 in net, offensive, and defensive rating
Though that's an impressive feat in a vacuum, the context makes it even more difficult to ignore. During that time, Minnesota defeated Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers, and Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors.
Suffice it to say, the Timberwolves are battle tested and capable of going toe-to-toe with the best players in the NBA—due in no small part to franchise pillar Anthony Edwards being one of them.
Minnesota still has something to prove in regard to actually reaching the NBA Finals, but past success, an improved roster, and elite balance has it among the true contenders.