The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals on Christmas Day on Wednesday, which will be just the franchise’s third ever appearance in the NBA’s annual holiday extravaganza. It goes without saying, but this will be a momentous occasion for the franchise.
In addition to being one of the league's biggest stages and most-watched regular season days, playing on Christmas is often viewed as an honor for coaches and players because there are only five games played on the holiday every year. Being selected to play on Christmas means your team has achieved success in a way that makes the league want to show you to one of its biggest audiences.
Timberwolves' record on Christmas Day
Minnesota's overall record on Christmas Day currently stands at 1-1, with just two appearances all-time. They made their Christmas debut back in 2016, which resulted in a 112-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In that game, Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins combined for 65 points while playing on the road, but their effort wasn’t enough to come out on top.
The Timberwolves appeared on the holiday the very next season as well, picking up a 121-104 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jimmy Butler led the way with 23 points and eight assists, while Towns added 21 points and 10 rebounds in the road win.
With two appearances under their belt, the Wolves have never played at home on Christmas, and that streak will continue as they get set to travel to Dallas this Christmas. If they can pick up a win, they will extend their Christmas win streak to two.
Notable players in Timberwolves Christmas Day history
Back in 2016, Minnesota started Wiggins, Towns, LaVine, Ricky Rubio and Gorgui Dieng against Oklahoma City. The next year, Taj Gibson and Jeff Teague started alongside Butler, Towns and Wiggins in Los Angeles.
Though he was not playing for the Wolves at the time, it is worth noting that Julius Randle put up 16 points off the bench for the Lakers when they faced off with Minnesota on Christmas in 2017. Now, Randle will get a chance to lead Minnesota to what would be a memorable win in Dallas.
Future prospects for Timberwolves on Christmas Day
If the Wolves can get back to playing a winning brand of basketball, it is not hard to see them lined up to play on Christmas multiple more times this decade. With high-level rivals like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets as possible opponents, there is big potential for great matchups.
Given his history of putting on a show when the world is watching, I’m sure Anthony Edwards will come out aggressive and try to give Timberwolves fans a momentous holiday on Wednesday. Edwards is currently 10th in the NBA with 25.6 points per game. It is Ant's huge popularity that could compel the league to feature Minnesota on Christmas Day again in the near future, at least given an improved team record.